Police Flag Gaming-linked Cyber Frauds Among Children
Sajjanar said the WHO had recognised gaming disorder as a disease.
Hyderabad: With an increasing number of cyber fraud complaints in Hyderabad being traced to children spending money on multiplayer games, Hyderabad police commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Wednesday warned parents about online gaming addiction among boys aged 10 to 17 years, which the WHO recognised as a gaming disorder.
In an advisory to parents, Sajjanar said cybercrime investigators are receiving a growing number of complaints that are initially appearing to be financial fraud but are later found to involve children making purchases in online games using payment details stored on family members' phones.
A significant number of such cases are linked to grandparents' mobile phones, which often contain saved cards, active UPI accounts and logged-in net banking services but are less likely to be closely monitored. The commissioner said that mobile phones, which were originally provided for online classes, are also being used for prolonged and unsupervised gaming sessions, including late-night play with friends.
He advised parents to remove saved cards and UPI autofill options from devices accessible to children, including those used by grandparents. Families have also been urged to enable parental controls, require PIN or biometric authentication for purchases and activate transaction alerts.
Sajjanar said the WHO had recognised gaming disorder as a disease. The condition is characterised by impaired control over gaming and prioritising gaming over studies, sleep and family interactions despite negative consequences. Excessive gaming is associated with aggression, declining academic performance, sleep deprivation, eye strain and reduced social interaction.
The commissioner asked parents to establish screen-time limits, monitor behavioural changes such as irritability, disturbed sleep and falling academic performance, and seek professional counselling if symptoms persist.
Sajjanar also added that this is not a verdict against gaming, but unmonitored access can lead to financial loss and, in some cases, vulnerability to online grooming or abuse.
