From Fake Investments to ‘Digital Arrests’, How Cyber Criminals Are Targeting the Tech State
Telangana, often projected as one of India’s most digitally advanced states, is fast emerging as a major hotspot for cyber fraud. Over the past year alone, the state reported losses of ₹1,372 crore to cheating and online scams, with nearly 95,000 complaints registered—an alarming signal of how deeply cybercrime has penetrated everyday life.
National data compiled by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) shows that India lost a staggering ₹52,976 crore to fraud and cheating over the last six years. Within this grim national picture, Telangana figures prominently among the top five states accounting for more than half of the total losses.
The year 2025 marked a troubling spike, with India recording losses of ₹19,813 crore and over 21.7 lakh complaints. Telangana’s share reflects a broader trend—rapid digitisation, high internet penetration and increased online financial activity have made urban, tech-driven states particularly vulnerable.
Analysts point out that cybercriminals are no longer relying on crude tricks. Instead, they are deploying highly organised, psychologically manipulative scams that appear legitimate, urgent and authoritative—often catching even digitally savvy users off guard.
Data reveals that investment fraud is the single biggest drain on victims’ finances, accounting for 77 per cent of total cybercrime losses nationwide. Telangana is no exception. Fake trading apps, fraudulent crypto schemes and promises of “guaranteed returns” continue to lure victims across age groups.
Other major fraud categories include:
- Digital arrest scams (8%), where fraudsters impersonate police or central agencies
- Credit card fraud (7%)
- Sextortion (4%)
- E-commerce fraud (3%)
- Malware and app-based scams (1%)
Officials warn that criminals increasingly personalise these scams, using leaked data and social engineering to build trust before striking.
The threat is no longer domestic alone. The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) shows that nearly 45 per cent of cyber fraud complaints in 2025 originated from Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. These cross-border scam hubs operate with call centres, fake digital platforms and money-laundering channels that make enforcement challenging.
With Hyderabad being a major IT and financial hub, cybersecurity experts warn that Telangana could see even higher numbers unless awareness and vigilance improve. Authorities are urging citizens to promptly report incidents via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and seek immediate assistance through the 1930 cybercrime helpline, which can help block fraudulent transactions if alerted in time.
As Telangana accelerates toward a fully digital future, the message is clear: technology may power growth, but without caution, it also opens the door to unprecedented financial risk.
