Why are Hyderabad’s senior citizens losing ₹102 crore to cyber fraud?
HYDERABAD: Cybercriminals targeting senior citizens caused financial losses of ₹102.02 crore in 403 cases registered in Hyderabad between January 2025 and July 31, 2026, according to Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police data.
Police said fraudsters exploited senior citizens’ limited familiarity with digital technology. They used fear, panic and promises of high returns to dupe victims of their savings.
Trading, OTP and digital arrest scams account for most losses
Trading frauds accounted for the highest losses, with 113 cases resulting in losses of ₹55.88 crore. Digital arrest scams accounted for 69 cases and ₹31.93 crore in losses.
Police registered 115 cases of OTP fraud, with victims losing ₹4.94 crore. Investment frauds accounted for 22 cases and ₹2.79 crore, while seven dating and honeytrap fraud cases resulted in losses of ₹70.11 lakh.
Hyderabad sees decline in cyber fraud cases in 2026
Hyderabad City Police said awareness campaigns, proactive monitoring and timely intervention by banks had contributed to a decline in cyber fraud cases involving senior citizens.
Police registered 285 such cases involving losses of ₹71.81 crore in 2025. In 2026, 118 cases were registered up to July 31, with losses of ₹30.20 crore.
Prompt reporting has also helped police and banks freeze fraudulent transactions during the “Golden Hour”, improving the chances of recovering the money.
Sajjanar urges seniors to report fraud without delay
Hyderabad Commissioner of Police V.C. Sajjanar, IPS, urged senior citizens to remain vigilant against digital fraud.
“There is no such thing as a Digital Arrest in India. No police or government agency will demand money or conduct an interrogation through phone or video calls,” Sajjanar said.
He advised people not to share one-time passwords (OTPs), personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords, Aadhaar or Permanent Account Number (PAN) details with anyone.
He also cautioned citizens against online trading and investment schemes promising extraordinary returns and advised them not to pay additional fees or taxes to withdraw supposed profits.
Police advised investors to verify investment platforms through the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) before investing. Citizens should also remain cautious about suspicious job and investment offers received through WhatsApp and Telegram.
Families and banks, police said, should closely monitor unusual high-value transactions involving senior citizens.
Police urged victims to report cyber fraud immediately by calling the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or through cybercrime.gov.in. Early reporting can help authorities freeze fraudulent transactions and improve the chances of recovering the money.
