HYDERABAD: It is not just the unemployed but an increasing number of educated people are falling prey to cybercrimes. As job seekers turn to the internet for employment opportunities, they fall into the eyes of cyber fraudsters who exploit their vulnerabilities.
According to cyber expert Praveen Kumar Tangella, the promise of remote work, flexible hours and attractive remuneration lures jobless individuals desperate for earnings. A recent survey shows a significant increase in investment fraud, with IT employees being the most vulnerable.
A general survey suggested that approximately 60 per cent of victims were from Cyberabad. Any advertisement promising tripling of investments or a 30 per cent monthly interest should be ignored, he says.
Cybercrime ACP K.V.M. Prasad told Deccan Chronicle that individuals incurring losses in lakhs are mostly from software backgrounds.
“It's disheartening that even the educated can be deceived. Ninety per cent of victims are educated. We are putting in our best efforts to counter malicious links through which the scams are perpetrated,” he said.
“When purchasing a product, you often double-check with friends and neighbours. When investing a significant amount, no one seeks advice from others,” he said.
Investigation officer K. Prasad Rao mentioned that 2,300 cybercrime cases were registered in 2021 in Hyderabad alone, 2,400 in 2022, and 1,900 cases to date this year. The CCS receives at least 20 complaints every day. It is likely to be more in local police stations. Efforts to educate people are an ongoing process, he said.
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• A woman's marriage was cancelled after she lost ₹40 lakhs to cyber fraud. Her father had credited ₹38 lakhs into her account for her marriage. She had been earlier trapped by some fraudsters who lured her to invest small amounts and gave her good returns. After this, she attempted to invest more but only ended up losing ₹40,12,170.
• A woman, employed in a software company, who made some money initially, lost around ₹33 lakhs to an investment fraud.
