Cybercriminals continue to expand their deceptive tactics across Telangana. They lure people with promises of easy money and trap unsuspecting victims. Recently, hackers targeted the WhatsApp number of Manikonda Vedakumar, Chairman of the Forum for Better Hyderabad and Telangana Resource Centre. They contacted his saved numbers and claimed that he urgently needed money.
The fraudsters sent messages saying his usual UPI number was not working. They asked people to transfer ₹60,000 through Google Pay or PhonePe to the number 6202756958. However, one alert individual quickly sensed the scam. He took a screenshot and circulated it among others, which helped warn many people. This timely action prevented financial losses.
Cyber gangs have already created fear with OTP scams and fake digital arrest threats. Now, they are targeting WhatsApp accounts of officials and political leaders. Moreover, their methods are becoming more advanced and unpredictable. Experts say people must verify any emergency payment request before responding.
In recent weeks, several media WhatsApp groups linked to Telangana cabinet ministers faced similar hacking attempts. Therefore, cybersecurity teams urged the public to stay alert and report suspicious messages immediately. Awareness remains the strongest defence against these rising cyber crimes.
