Telangana is witnessing significant financial losses due to cybercrime, with highly educated and professional citizens increasingly falling victim. Shikha Goel, Director of the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), on Tuesday revealed that citizens in the state are losing nearly ₹4 crore every day to cyber frauds.
Goel highlighted that approximately 60% of the victims are highly educated, including IT professionals, software engineers, doctors, and other private-sector employees. Despite the surge in technology-driven crimes nationwide, Telangana has managed to reduce cybercrime cases by 8% till September 2025, compared to a 29% increase across India during the same period. The total monetary loss has also decreased in the state, reflecting the positive impact of awareness campaigns and preventive measures.
‘Fraud Ka Full Stop’ Campaign: Six-Week Statewide Initiative to Boost Digital Awareness
To tackle the rising threat of cybercrime, TGCSB has launched a six-week statewide campaign called ‘Fraud Ka Full Stop’, aimed at educating citizens on practical measures to prevent online fraud.
The campaign encompasses a range of initiatives, including:
- Workshops and seminars at schools, colleges, and community centers
- Flash mobs, cyber safety walks, and rallies across urban hubs
- Poster, painting, and short video competitions for students
- Street plays, pledge drives, and social media challenges
- Digital jingles and awareness messages at markets, railway stations, and RTC bus stands
Students from the Stanley College of Engineering and Technology for Women have actively participated, forming cyber safety groups at the college level to spread awareness.
Goel emphasized:
“Cybercrime touches all of us. Some fall victim, while others avoid scams. Yet, it remains one of the most preventable crimes. Victims are often trapped due to fear, greed, confusion, or misplaced trust.”
TGCSB Statistics: Complaints Handled and Refunds Facilitated
Since May 2023, TGCSB has processed 244,000 NCRP complaints, registered 58,244 FIRs, and facilitated refunds exceeding ₹350 crore for cyber fraud victims.
Addressing the audience, Telangana DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy noted the evolving nature of crime:
“A decade ago, most crimes were robberies and dacoities. In the past 5–6 years, cybercrime has emerged as a major societal threat.”
Public Engagement and Awareness Outreach
Authorities stated that the campaign aims to directly reach at least 500,000 citizens through on-ground events, with additional outreach via radio, newspapers, television, and digital platforms.
Key operational metrics include:
- Average calls received daily: 1,190
- Average call connect time: 3 minutes
- Total calls this year: 3.9 lakh
This high level of engagement ensures citizens receive timely guidance and support in case of cyber threats.
Experts Warn: Educated Citizens Not Immune
Cybersecurity experts highlight that even highly educated individuals can fall prey to social engineering tactics and technical scams, underlining the importance of sustained awareness and training. TGCSB’s campaign specifically targets this demographic to reduce fraud incidents further and promote a culture of digital vigilance across the state.
