Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar warns of cyber frauds in Indiramma Housing Scheme

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar warned Indiramma housing scheme applicants about cyber fraud attempts involving fake APK files, WhatsApp links and websites. He urged people to avoid sharing personal details, OTPs and banking information, and use official channels for payments and queries

Hyderabad: City Police Commissioner, VC Sajjanar has warned that cybercriminals could exploit the ongoing Indiramma housing scheme by circulating malicious APK files, fake WhatsApp links and fraudulent websites to steal applicants’ personal and banking information.

In a public advisory issued on Sunday, the Commissioner said that with the commencement of the Rs. 10,000 Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) payment process, fraudsters may pose as government officials or intermediaries and attempt to deceive beneficiaries through fake calls, messages and phishing links.

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Sajjanar clarified that there is no role for brokers or middlemen in the allotment process, which is entirely transparent. He said the EMD paid by applicants would remain safe and, if a house is not allotted, the amount would be refunded directly to the applicant’s original bank account.

He cautioned the public against believing claims that payment to a third party would ensure house allotment or messages creating panic by stating that the last date had expired and immediate payment was required to avoid cancellation.

The Commissioner also warned against downloading APK files or installing screen-sharing applications such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer at the behest of unknown persons, as these could enable cybercriminals to gain access to mobile phones and bank accounts. He said applicants should avoid clicking on unfamiliar WhatsApp or SMS links and should never share Aadhaar details, bank information or one-time passwords (OTPs).

He reiterated that a UPI PIN is required only to make payments and is never needed to receive a refund.

For queries relating to the scheme, the government has set up a dedicated helpline at 040-24603572. Victims of cyber fraud have been advised to immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or lodge a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to help freeze the stolen funds.

City Police Commissioner, V C Sajjanar has warned that cybercriminals could exploit the ongoing Indiramma housing scheme by circulating malicious APK files, fake WhatsApp links and fraudulent websites to steal applicants’ personal and banking information.

In a public advisory issued on Sunday, the Commissioner said that with the commencement of the Rs. 10,000 Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) payment process, fraudsters may pose as government officials or intermediaries and attempt to deceive beneficiaries through fake calls, messages and phishing links.

Sajjanar clarified that there is no role for brokers or middlemen in the allotment process, which is entirely transparent. He said the EMD paid by applicants would remain safe and, if a house is not allotted, the amount would be refunded directly to the applicant’s original bank account.

He cautioned the public against believing claims that payment to a third party would ensure house allotment or messages creating panic by stating that the last date had expired and immediate payment was required to avoid cancellation.

The Commissioner also warned against downloading APK files or installing screen-sharing applications such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer at the behest of unknown persons, as these could enable cybercriminals to gain access to mobile phones and bank accounts. He said applicants should avoid clicking on unfamiliar WhatsApp or SMS links and should never share Aadhaar details, bank information or one-time passwords (OTPs).

He reiterated that a UPI PIN is required only to make payments and is never needed to receive a refund.

For queries relating to the scheme, the government has set up a dedicated helpline at 040-24603572. Victims of cyber fraud have been advised to immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or lodge a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to help freeze the stolen funds.