`Cybercriminals loot Rs 1 Cr every day’: Police launch `Jaagrut Hyderabad – Surakshit Hyderabad’ to keep fraudsters at bay

Hyderabad: Cybercrimes are draining around Rs 1 crore every day from residents under the Hyderabad Commissionerate limits, according to Hyderabad Commissioner of Police VC Sajjanar.

Launching `Jaagrut Hyderabad – Surakshit Hyderabad’ (Aware Hyderabad – Safe Hyderabad) campaign along with Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) B. Shivdhar Reddy, Sajjanar said that fraudsters are cashing in on people’s greed and fear to trap them online.

The event also saw the unveiling of the Cyber Simbha logo and QR code, and distribution of badges to volunteers.

Cybercrime now a major social threat

Speaking at the launch, DGP Shivdhar Reddy described cybercrime as a grave social challenge that demands widespread awareness.

He said that over the past decade, cyber offences have grown unchecked, prompting the police to initiate a state-wide campaign on a war footing across Telangana.

He noted that criminals, armed with personal data such as wealth, location, and age, are targeting victims through phone calls, social media, and fraudulent online activities.

Women, the elderly, and homemakers are emerging as vulnerable targets as fraudsters exploit moments when they are alone and vulnerable, he said.

The DGP added that special preventive measures and “cyber patrolling” have been intensified this year to curb incidents. He urged citizens to join the movement and spread awareness, stating that if one person educates ten others, the collective effort can build a safer society.

“If every household has one Cyber Simbha, the community will be secure,” he remarked.

Public urged to stay alert and act fast

Commissioner Sajjanar said the ongoing campaign aims to raise awareness at the grassroots level and build public resistance against online scammers.

He urged citizens not to trust unknown callers, links, or mobile apps, and never to share OTPs, passwords, or banking data with anyone. Users should adopt strong passwords and avoid sharing personal details on social media with strangers.

Victims of online fraud should immediately call the cyber helpline `1930' or file complaints through the national cybercrime portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in.

Concluding the event, Sajjanar administered a “Cyber Pledge” to participants, urging collective responsibility to make Hyderabad cyber-safe.