Hyderabad loses Rs 251 crore to online scams in 2025
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad City Police reported a 27% decrease in registered cybercrime cases in 2025. Despite this, victims lost nearly Rs 251 crore to online fraud over the past year.
According to the latest annual data from the Hyderabad commissionerate, cybercrime cases fell from 3,111 in 2024 to 2,286 in 2025, indicating progress in combating digital crime. However, significant financial fraud, particularly from investment scams, trading fraud, and digital arrest rackets, highlight the growing sophistication of cybercriminals in Hyderabad.
In terms of Modus Operandi, investment and trading fraud were the most common cybercrimes. Investment fraud accounted for 740 cases and Rs 44.83 crore in losses, while trading fraud involved 430 cases and Rs 133.95 crore in losses. Customs fraud and digital arrest scams totaled 86 cases with Rs 33.81 crore lost. Other frequent frauds included OTP scams (458 cases), business fraud (53 cases), and matrimonial fraud (12 cases).
The Cybercrime Police Station improved investigative outcomes, detecting 393 cases in 2025 compared to 354 in 2024. Arrests rose to 566 from 511 the previous year. Authorities refunded Rs 30.05 crore to victims and froze Rs 14.37 crore through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, preventing further losses.
Cybercriminals used impersonation and emotional manipulation. In digital arrest cases, scammers posed as police or CBI officials, threatened victims with false charges, and forced them to remain on video calls and pay large sums. In AI-powered fraud, deepfake audio and video were used to impersonate family members or authorities in urgent financial appeals. Fake trading platforms promised high returns to lure investors, then disappeared with their funds. In loan app harassment cases, unregulated apps extracted personal data and harassed borrowers and their contacts.
Key Initiative: “Jaagrut Hyderabad – Surakshit Hyderabad”
The decline in cases is partly attributed to the city-wide awareness campaign “Jaagrut Hyderabad – Surakshit Hyderabad,” launched in November 2025 by Telangana DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy and Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar.
Described as India’s largest door-to-door cyber safety initiative, the program educates citizens on digital security, fraud prevention, and safe online behaviour. The police also established seven Zonal Cyber Cells in 2025 to decentralize response and improve local coordination.
Hyderabad commissioner V C Sajjanar added, “While enforcement, arrests, and detection are one part of the process, the Hyderabad City Police is also making a strong effort to prevent these crimes. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, our officers, including myself, go to the public to raise awareness about cybercrime.”
Cyber safety advisory
Speaking on the occasion, V C Sajjanar said, “There is no limit to greed; many people seeking to make money are falling victim to investment and trading frauds. Everyone must understand that money doesn’t come easily and should not fall for such frauds. Do not trust unsolicited links you receive via Telegram or WhatsApp, promising initial investments of 5 lakhs, 10 lakhs, or 15 lakhs. They might show you earnings of four or five crores, but when you try to withdraw, they disappear or close operations.”
He further added, “If you want to invest in the stock market or bullion market, be cautious. Visit authorized brokerage houses, mutual fund advisors, or financial advisors. Contact your investment advisors or brokerage firms, and open accounts only with SEBI-registered investment advisors for your trading and investments.”
The Hyderabad Police issued clear guidelines to help residents stay safe. Never share OTPs, passwords, or bank details over calls or messages. Verify unknown callers; government agencies do not conduct digital arrests or request payments by phone. Avoid clicking unknown links or installing APK files from untrusted sources. Use only RBI-approved loan apps and avoid quick money schemes. Report fraud immediately by calling 1930 or visiting the National Cybercrime Portal.
Mule account menace
Throwing light on the mule account menace, Sajjanar said, “These mule accounts in cybercrime have become a huge nuisance. People are opening accounts in one place and supplying them to others elsewhere, causing significant losses. Recently, we froze about 120 accounts, and 24 crores were cheated through those accounts. Ultimately, we only recovered 16 lakhs.”
Discussing Hyderabad Police initiatives against cybercrime in general and the Mule account menace in particular, Hyderabad commissioner V C Sajjanar said, “I, along with senior officers of the Hyderabad commissionerate, have met the RBI Governor to address this issue and requested their attention. The Hyderabad City Police also provided several suggestions, which were received positively. Our officers will act on these recommendations, and I am confident this problem will be resolved soon.”
