Watching Porn On Your Phone? Here's How You Could Get Scammed

Last Updated:June 20, 2025, 10:54 IST

Cyber gangs exploit fear using threats, fake identities like CBI or NCB, and demand Aadhaar, PAN, or OTP to extort money by pushing victims into impulsive actions

Scammers employ tactics like humiliation and threats of legal action to demand sensitive information to extort money. (Representative/Shutterstock)

In a disturbing trend, Hyderabad has seen a surge in cyber scams where fraudsters are exploiting individuals by making false allegations of involvement in illicit activities, including watching child pornography and drug and money laundering crimes, in a bid to extort money and intimidate their victims.

A resident of LB Nagar in Hyderabad recently received a suspicious WhatsApp message claiming to be from the Union Home Ministry. The message read, “We have identified you through your IP address. A case has been registered in the Cybercrime Lab regarding the viewing of child pornography videos. If you do not respond within 24 hours, the Delhi Police will take action." Recognizing the tactics of cyber extortion, the individual realised it was likely a scam.

In another incident, a retired government employee in the city fell victim to a cyber scam after receiving a threatening phone call accusing him of involvement in drug and money laundering cases. The caller said, “You are involved in drug cases and money laundering, and we need your Aadhaar card number." He provided his Aadhar card number out of fear. The scammers then leveled further allegations, including watching pornographic videos, and extorted Rs. 1.5 lakh from him. The incident was later confirmed to be a fraud after he reported it to the police.

What Is The Scammers’ Modus Operandi?

Cyber gangs craft alarming scenarios to exploit psychological vulnerabilities, prompting victims to react impulsively. They employ tactics like humiliation, threats of legal action, and impersonate official agencies (CBI, NCB, Cyber Cell, MHA, etc.) to demand sensitive information such as Aadhaar, PAN, and OTP, ultimately using it to extort money.

How To Protect Yourself From These Types Of Scams

According to the police, there is no need to panic upon receiving such messages or phone calls. Police or government departments do not send official communication via WhatsApp. Only verified sources should be trusted — emails must be checked for domains like .gov.in or .nic.in. Sensitive details such as Aadhaar numbers, OTPs, and passwords should never be shared.

The police advise reporting such incidents immediately to the cybercrime helpline 1930 or via the website https://cybercrime.gov.in. Decisions should not be made out of fear. Recognising scams is the first step toward protection. Falling victim to cyber fraud is often a result of lack of awareness, not illiteracy. In unclear situations, it is essential to think critically and avoid taking any action without verifying official information.

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