Fake social media profiles: Cyberabad police issue dos and don’ts to prevent financial fraud

Hyderabad: Cybercriminals are creating fake social media profiles to cheat people.

The increasing trend is posing a serious threat to personal privacy, digital security, and finances.

Sensing the gravity of the situation, Cyberabad Police has cautioned citizens to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to online fraud carried out through fake accounts across popular social media platforms.

Growing threat of fake accounts

Cyberabad Police said fraudsters are creating fake profiles on platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and WhatsApp by misusing the names, photos, and official logos of individuals, celebrities, institutions, and even government departments.

Using personal information available online, cybercriminals are luring victims by claiming emergencies, offering fake business deals, instant loans at low interest rates, job offers, or investment opportunities, ultimately cheating people of their money.

Cyberabad police advisory to the public

The Cyberabad Police have issued a detailed advisory urging citizens to follow these precautions:

Verify the authenticity of social media profiles before accepting friend requests.

If friends or relatives ask for money urgently online, confirm directly by calling them.

Banks and government departments never ask for PINs, OTPs, or banking details online or over phone calls.

Avoid offers related to fake business deals, investments, jobs, or low-interest loans.

Do not trust messages or requests from unknown accounts; avoid sharing personal details, documents, photos, or joining video calls.

Be cautious of unusually low-priced offers for goods or vehicles—greed is often exploited by fraudsters.

Reject requests for advance payments or processing fees.

Never share OTPs, UPI details, bank information, Aadhaar, or PAN details.

Do not click on suspicious links or download unknown files.

Use strong passwords for all social media accounts and ensure different passwords for each account.

Enable privacy settings and two-step verification.

Lock profiles and profile photos wherever possible.

Immediately block and report suspicious or fake accounts on the respective social media platforms.

Avoid publicly posting personal, financial, or travel-related information.

Verify any investment proposals by checking the official website of the concerned organization.

Report online harassment or fraud incidents to the police without delay.

How to file a complaint

Victims of cyber fraud or those who come across suspicious fake profiles should immediately report the matter by calling the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or by filing an online complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in. Complaints can also be lodged at the nearest police station.

Cyberabad Police emphasized that reporting cybercrime during the “golden hour” or the first hour, significantly increases the chances of preventing or recovering financial losses.