Waking up to deepfakes, scam calls, Cyberabad Police issue fresh dos and don’ts; check details
The digital boom has brought convenience and connectivity, but it has also opened the door to a new wave of crimes that target users silently through their screens
By - Newsmeter Network
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Hyderabad: Cyberabad Police have cautioned that deepfakes, betting platforms, scam calls, and harmful digital trends are increasingly invading households and influencing young minds, placing citizens at significant risk.
This follows online threats, which are expanding far more rapidly than public awareness.
Digital menace growing across age groups
The digital boom has brought convenience and connectivity, but it has also opened the door to a new wave of crimes that target users silently through their screens.
Cyberabad Police noted that these fast-evolving online threats are reshaping behaviour, affecting mental health and causing substantial financial loss, particularly among youth.
Betting platforms turning into addiction hubs
Online betting, once marketed as harmless entertainment, has become a serious addiction. Police said many youngsters lose savings, pawn valuables, and fall into debt spirals. Families are reporting emotional distress linked to late-night gaming, sleep loss, anxiety, and declining academic or work performance.
Deepfakes: Technology misused to violate identity
The rapid spread of deepfake tools has made it easier for criminals to morph photos and videos, especially of women, and use them for blackmail. The psychological trauma of such violations is severe, leaving victims scared, isolated, and hesitant to report the crime.
Romance scams exploiting emotional vulnerability
Friendship requests and casual chats on social media are turning into elaborate manipulation schemes. After building trust, fraudsters threaten victims using morphed images and edited videos, leading to extortion and emotional breakdowns.
Fear-based frauds on the rise
Phone calls claiming identity theft or a parcel linked to crime have become common. Cybercriminals use panic to make victims transfer money immediately. Police warn that fear has become a powerful business model in the digital fraud ecosystem.
Fake job offers and overseas scams targeting youth
Unemployed graduates are being duped with promises of high salaries and foreign placements. These schemes exploit desperation, resulting in financial loss and shattered career hopes.
Harmful online challenges endangering children
Dangerous online tasks and games resurfacing under new names are influencing children to engage in risky behaviour. Psychologists say loneliness and gaming addiction make minors especially vulnerable.
Risky stunts for viral fame
In pursuit of instant online popularity, young users are attempting reckless rooftop stunts and speeding reels. Police caution that these few seconds of social-media visibility can lead to life-altering injuries.
Courier deliveries misused for crime
Criminals are using courier and delivery services to send illegal items, sometimes to unsuspecting households. Police urge citizens to refuse unknown parcels and report suspicious deliveries.
Sextortion cases increasing rapidly
A single video call or shared photo is enough to trigger a cycle of blackmail. Many victims, fearing social stigma, remain silent, deepening their emotional distress.
Investment frauds and clone links
Fake investment groups on WhatsApp and Telegram, along with AI-generated dashboards showing false profits, are trapping thousands. Illegal loan apps are adding to the crisis with harassment and exorbitant interest rates.
Biometric and ID theft expanding
Fake Aadhaar update centres and gaming reward platforms are stealing biometric data, raising long-term risks of identity fraud.
Cyberabad Police: Digital Awareness is the first shield
Police emphasised that these online crimes are interconnected and evolving rapidly. Awareness, cautious digital behaviour, and parental oversight are now crucial.
Safety advisory for citizens
Avoid suspicious links, calls, and messages.
Steer clear of betting platforms and harmful online games.
Parents must monitor and limit children’s screen time.
Do not share personal information with strangers.
Avoid posting private photos and videos publicly.
Verify job offers, donations, and investment schemes.
Confirm money requests even if they appear from known contacts.
Reject unknown courier deliveries.
Report online threats, fraud, or extortion immediately to the police.
