‘Golden hour’ reporting key to preventing cybercrime losses: Cyberabad police

Cyberabad police have issued a public advisory warning citizens about the surge in cybercrime through fake social media profiles. Fraudsters are misusing names, photos, and logos to create counterfeit accounts and trick people into sharing money or personal details. Common scams include fake emergencies, bogus business deals, instant loan offers, and job or investment frauds.

Hyderabad: In view of the increasing cybercrime incidents day by day, the Cyberabad Police have cautioned citizens against the growing menace of fake social media profiles used to defraud people online.

Officials said fraudsters are creating counterfeit accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X and WhatsApp by misusing the names, photographs and logos of individuals, celebrities, organisations and even government officials.

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According to the police, cybercriminals collect personal details available online and use them to seek money under false emergencies, share fake business deals, promise instant loans at low interest rates, or lure victims with job and investment scams.

Clicking suspicious links or sharing personal and banking information often leads to financial loss and privacy breaches.

The police advised social media users to verify friend requests before accepting them and to confirm any urgent money requests directly through a phone call.

Citizens were reminded that banks and government agencies never ask for OTPs, PINs or account details online on phone calls.

People are also urged to avoid unknown links, suspicious offers, advance payment demands and unusually low-priced deals. Using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication and tightening privacy settings significantly reduce risks.

Cyberabad police emphasised that reporting within the first hour, known as the ‘golden hour,’ greatly enhances the chances of preventing financial loss.

Victims of cyber fraud can report the matter by calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or by filing a complaint on www.cybercrime.gov.in.