Hyderabad police warn of cyber fraud via fake search engine rankings

Hyderabad police have warned citizens about cybercriminals exploiting search engine rankings to promote fraudulent websites. Commissioner VC Sajjanar explained that scammers use paid ads and SEO techniques to push phishing sites impersonating banks, government portals, and brands.

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad police warned the citizens against falling prey to fraud search engine rankings.

Hyderabad Commissioner of Police, VC Sajjanar said that the fraudsters are increasingly exploiting search engine rankings to deceive online users.

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“Many people assume that websites appearing at the top of search results or marked as ‘sponsored’ are trustworthy. However, high visibility on a search engine does not guarantee legitimacy.

Cybercriminals are now using paid advertisements and advanced search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to push fraudulent websites to the top, often impersonating government portals, banks, or well-known brands,” said the Hyderabad CP, Sajjanar.

He explained that the fraud typically begins when a user searches online for customer care numbers, payment services, or official websites. The scammers create phishing websites that closely resemble genuine platforms and promote them through online advertisements. Because these fake sites rank high in search results, users are more likely to click on them.

“Once on the fraudulent page, victims are prompted to share personal details, login credentials, or make payments, resulting in financial loss and potential identity theft,” said Sajjanar.

The frauds can be prevented by exercising caution. “Users must always verify the website URL carefully before entering any personal or financial information. It is important not to rely solely on search rankings or “sponsored” labels as proof of authenticity. Instead, access official websites directly by typing the correct web address or using trusted sources,” he added.

In case of suspected cyber fraud, immediate reporting to the national cyber crime helpline at 1930 can help prevent further damage. Vigilance remains the most effective defense against such online scams.