Hyderabad Police team up with influencers against cybercrime
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad City Police have launched a new strategy to curb cybercrime by partnering with social media influencers under the ‘Jagrat Hyderabad – Surakshit Hyderabad’ campaign.
Instead of limiting outreach to official advisories, the police are spreading awareness through short videos that explain cyber fraud in simple terms. The initiative, led by Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar, IPS, has received wide public response.
Short videos simplify cyber fraud risks
Several popular influencers responded to the police appeal and voluntarily created videos explaining different forms of cybercrime. These are being shared in collaboration with the official Instagram accounts of Hyderabad City Police and the Commissioner, reaching lakhs of viewers.
The videos combine entertainment with key cyber safety tips.
In one video on lottery frauds, titled “Desi Mom vs Scammer”, a homemaker counters a fake caller who claims she has won ₹25 lakh and asks for an OTP as processing fee. The message is clear: do not share bank details or OTPs with unknown callers and avoid falling for greed.
Another video exposes the rising “digital arrest” fraud. It shows cybercriminals posing as officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation, police or the Reserve Bank of India, wearing fake uniforms and conducting video calls to intimidate victims. The video clarifies that no government investigative agency in India conducts inquiries through video calls.
Citizens are advised not to panic if they receive suspicious calls. They should dial the toll-free number 1930 immediately or file a complaint on the cybercrime portal cybercrime.gov.in.
The joint effort by police and influencers has drawn strong support from netizens.
Sajjanar urges influencers to act responsibly
Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar urged more content creators to join the campaign.
“You have significant following and recognition on social media. Use it for social change. Your words have the power to influence public thinking. Create effective short videos on cybercrime and share them on your platforms. Building a safe and aware society is our collective responsibility,” he said.
— Public Relations Officer, Hyderabad City Police.
