CP Sajjanar Warns Public About New Hybrid Cyber Fraud Gangs

Cyber fraudsters are adopting new tactics to steal smartphones and gain access to sensitive information, Hyderabad Police Commissioner Sajjanar has warned. According to the police, hybrid cyber fraud gangs are targeting senior citizens and people who are less familiar with technology at bus stands, railway stations, crowded RTC buses and other public places. The gangs reportedly identify smartphone users, observe how they unlock their devices and later steal the phones. If they are unable to unlock a stolen device, the suspects allegedly resort to social engineering by posing as bus conductors, drivers or people who have supposedly found the phone. They then try to convince victims to reveal their screen-lock passwords under various pretexts.

Police have advised citizens to act immediately if their phone is lost or stolen. The SIM card should be blocked by contacting the telecom service provider, while net banking, mobile banking and UPI services should be temporarily frozen through the respective bank’s customer care. The handset can also be blocked through the Government of India’s CEIR service, which officially provides a facility to block lost or stolen mobile phones using the device’s IMEI details. If any unauthorised money transfer is noticed, victims should immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline 1930. The CP also urged youngsters to educate senior citizens in their families about such emerging fraud techniques and ensure that they remain cautious while using smartphones during travel.