Hyderabad: On average, citizens within the Hyderabad Commissionerate are losing Rs 1 crore every day to cybercrimes, Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar revealed on Sunday.
He made the disclosure while launching the “Jaagrut Hyderabad – Surakshit Hyderabad” (Aware Hyderabad – Safe Hyderabad) cybercrime awareness campaign, alongside Director General of Police (DGP) B. Shivdhar Reddy. The initiative aims to promote digital safety and prevent online fraud across Telangana.
The officials also unveiled the ‘Cyber Simbha’ logo and QR code, and distributed volunteer badges.
Cyber Awareness the Key, Say Officials
DGP Reddy said the number of cybercrimes has grown significantly over the last decade and has now become a major social concern.
“Criminals are exploiting people’s greed and fear through phone calls, social media, and online scams. They easily access victims’ wealth, location, and age details,” he said.
Women, the elderly, and homemakers are often targeted when alone at home, he added.
The DGP urged citizens to join the campaign, stressing that collective awareness can drastically reduce cyber fraud. “If one person teaches ten others, and they tell twenty more, it can become a powerful movement. If every home has at least one ‘Cyber Simbha’, society will be safer,” he said.
Precautions and Reporting Mechanisms
Commissioner Sajjanar said the campaign aims to raise awareness at the grassroots level. He advised citizens to:
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Avoid suspicious calls, links, and apps.
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Never share OTPs, passwords, or banking details.
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Use strong passwords and refrain from sharing personal data with strangers online.
Victims of cyber fraud should immediately call 1930 or report the incident at the National Cybercrime Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in), he said.
Sajjanar also administered a ‘Cyber Pledge’ to participants during the programme.