Hyderabad: TGCSB issues cyber fraud advisory; here are dos and don’ts to be followed during Sankranthi
TGCSB officials said cybercriminals are exploiting increased online activity, digital payments, and festive shopping to target unsuspecting users
By - Newsmeter Network
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Hyderabad: Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has issued an advisory urging citizens to stay alert against a surge in cyber fraud and online scams that typically spike during festival time.
The advisory was issued just days ahead of the Sankranthi festival.
Surge in festive-season cyber frauds
TGCSB officials said cybercriminals are exploiting increased online activity, digital payments, and festive shopping to target unsuspecting users.
The Bureau has observed a rise in scams involving fake Sankranthi offers, discounts, and cashback links circulated through WhatsApp, SMS, and social media platforms.
Common scam tactics identified
According to TGCSB, fraudsters are luring victims through:
Fake bus, train, flight, and cruise booking websites
Scam messages claiming Sankranthi gifts, prize money, or lucky draws
Bogus online shopping links offering festival deals at unusually low prices
Fake instant loans and easy credit offers are promoted during festive expenses.
How the scams operate
Officials explained that most frauds begin with attractive Sankranthi greetings or tempting offers. Victims are redirected to fake websites or prompted to download malicious APK files.
Once clicked or installed, scammers gain access to OTPs, banking credentials, and personal data. In several cases, compromised accounts are later misused to cheat family members and contacts of the victim.
Trusted contacts used to spread fraud
TGCSB noted with concern that many fraudulent links are shared through trusted contacts and family WhatsApp groups, making them appear genuine and significantly increasing the risk of victimisation during the festive season.
Public Advisory from TGCSB
The Bureau has advised citizens to:
Avoid clicking on unknown or suspicious festive links received via WhatsApp, SMS, or social media.
Make bookings and purchases only on official and trusted platforms.
Never install APK files received through messages.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication on critical applications.
Never share OTPs, PINs, CVV numbers, or verification codes with anyone.
Those who suspect they may have clicked on a suspicious link or fallen victim to a scam should immediately stop transactions, preserve screenshots and transaction details, inform their bank or payment service provider, and secure their accounts without delay.
How to report cyber fraud
Victims are urged to report cyber fraud immediately by calling 1930, the national cyber fraud helpline, or by lodging a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
TGCSB said early reporting during the “golden hour” greatly improves the chances of preventing financial loss and enables swift police action.
Reiterating its commitment to citizen safety, TGCSB appealed to the public to celebrate Sankranthi responsibly by staying alert, cautious, and cyber secure.
