Police Commissioner warns citizens against cyber fraud and data theft traps

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar warned citizens about rising cybercrime and data theft, urging them to avoid suspicious links and free online content. He said stolen data is misused for phishing, hacking, extortion and fake “digital arrest” scams

Hyderabad: Amid rising cybercrime incidents, City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has issued a strong public warning on X about the alarming surge in data theft and online fraud.

He cautioned citizens against clicking on suspicious links and falling for “free” online content, which he described as digital traps laid by cybercriminals.

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In a series of posts made on Monday, Sajjanar explained that many users unknowingly expose themselves to danger by accessing unverified websites, piracy platforms, fake gaming apps and illegal betting sites. These platforms, he said, are engineered to deploy malware that secretly steals photographs, contacts, banking data, passwords and even OTPs from mobile phones.

“People often think free movies, free games or free downloads are harmless. But nothing is free on the internet. These are traps designed to steal your data. One careless click can cost you your entire digital security,” Sajjanar wrote on X.

He further stressed that personal data has become more valuable than money, and once it enters the dark web, retrieving it is nearly impossible. The stolen data is then misused for phishing attacks, fraudulent calls, account hacking, extortion, financial theft and even fake “digital arrest” intimidation.

Sajjanar urged citizens to stay vigilant and avoid untrusted links, suspicious apps and unknown websites.

Victims of cyber fraud are advised to:

Call the national cybercrime helpline: 1930

File a complaint at: cybercrime.gov.in