Cyberbureau Warns Of Surge In Online Frauds
Fraudsters lure customers through fake social media advertisements offering branded products: Reports
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has sounded a public alert after detecting a sharp rise in online shopping and credit/debit card frauds over the past 20–30 days, cautioning citizens against fake advertisements, phishing links and malicious mobile applications.
As part of its November 2026 Cyber Awareness Campaign, TGCSB flagged two emerging fraud trends — 128 advertisement frauds and 129 credit/debit card frauds.
Fraudsters lure customers through fake social media advertisements offering branded products, holiday packages and services at unbelievably low prices. After collecting advance payments through UPI or bank transfers, they disappear without delivering the promised goods or services, TGCSB director Shikha Goel said.
In card frauds, cybercriminals use phishing links and malicious APK files disguised as bank rewards, cashback offers and credit limit enhancement schemes to steal card details, CVV, PINs and OTPs, enabling unauthorised transactions.
TGCSB has advised citizens to verify online sellers and websites, avoid unrealistic discounts, refrain from installing APK files from unknown sources and never share confidential banking credentials. Cardholders should immediately block their cards and alert their banks upon noticing suspicious transactions.
Shikha urged citizens to follow the campaign theme — Your Money • Your Click • Your Choice — stressing the importance of verifying every payment request and online offer before proceeding. Victims of financial cyber fraud have been urged to report incidents immediately during the crucial “Golden Hour” by calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or lodging a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
