1 week ago
10
Amid Valentine’s Day celebrations, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has issued a cyber safety alert warning citizens about a rise in online frauds and digital exploitation linked to romance and festive promotions.
In an advisory issued on February 13, the bureau stated that cybercriminals are exploiting emotions, relationships and seasonal marketing campaigns to trap victims. While genuine gift offers and online discounts circulate widely during the festive period, fraudsters are simultaneously pushing fake Valentine gift links, flower delivery scams, discount coupons and romantic messages through WhatsApp, SMS, social media platforms, dating applications and email.
Officials highlighted a concerning increase in matrimonial and romance scams based on false promises of marriage. In such cases, offenders create fake profiles on matrimonial portals and social networking sites, posing as NRIs, defence personnel, doctors, engineers or government officials. After building emotional trust and promising marriage, they seek money on various pretexts, including medical emergencies, visa processing, travel expenses, customs clearance or investment opportunities.
In January 2026 alone, 39 such cases have been reported with losses amounting to ₹70,91,059. In 2025, the State recorded 384 cases leading to financial losses of over ₹12.65 crore.
In one case cited by officials, a 29-year-old IT professional from Hyderabad was drawn into a relationship with a woman claiming to work abroad. After gaining his confidence, she persuaded him to invest in a fraudulent trading platform that displayed virtual profits exceeding ₹1 crore. When he attempted to withdraw funds, he was asked to pay additional ‘tax’. He ultimately lost ₹46 lakh after premature closure of fixed deposits and pledging family gold.
Officials also highlighted rising sextortion cases, where offenders befriend victims online and initiate video interactions. Intimate visuals are recorded or morphed, and victims are threatened with public circulation unless money is paid. In 2025, 1,231 sextortion cases were reported, with losses totalling over ₹3.2 crore. In January 2026, 88 cases were registered, accounting for losses of ₹7,19,582.
In one instance, a 60-year-old retired employee from Hyderabad was coerced into inappropriate conduct during a video call. He was subsequently threatened with the release of the recording unless ₹1.6 lakh was paid. Despite paying the amount, the extortion continued, causing severe emotional and financial distress.
Cyber stalking and online harassment have also emerged as major concerns. Officials said cyber stalking involves repeated unwanted communication, monitoring of online activity, creation of fake profiles and issuing threats to intimidate victims. In 2025, 3,113 such cases were reported, with losses amounting to ₹1.93 crore. In January 2026, 359 cases were registered, involving losses of ₹26,81,772.
In a recent case, a young professional from Hyderabad faced persistent harassment from an individual she had met online. After she stopped responding, the accused followed her across multiple platforms, sent threatening messages and contacted her acquaintances. Police intervention was required to halt the harassment.
Speaking about Valentine’s Day-specific fraud patterns, key concerns include fake gift delivery links and e-cards, fraudulent restaurant or hotel booking websites, QR code or UPI-based ‘gift’ scams, impersonation by foreign nationals claiming to send expensive gift parcels followed by demands for customs fees, and love-based grooming leading to cryptocurrency or forex investment fraud emerged.
Citizens have been advised to independently verify the identity and employment details of individuals met online before placing trust in them. They should never transfer money for investments, travel, visa fees, customs charges or alleged tax payments to someone known only through digital platforms. Sharing personal or intimate content online should be strictly avoided, and suspicious links or unknown QR codes should not be accessed.
The bureau has urged the public to enable two-factor authentication on all accounts and treat urgency, secrecy and emotional pressure as major red flags.
If victimised, individuals are advised not to panic or transfer additional money. They should preserve evidence such as screenshots, chat records, call logs and transaction details, and immediately report the matter by calling the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930, filing a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, or approaching the nearest police station or cyber cell. Prompt reporting significantly enhances the chances of preventing further financial loss and apprehending offenders.
Parents and guardians have also been advised to maintain open communication with children regarding online safety, educate them about the risks of sharing personal content and encourage immediate reporting of suspicious interactions.
The advisory was issued by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, Hyderabad, in public interest.
English (US) ·