Hyderabad: Senior citizens in Hyderabad have suffered cyber fraud losses running into crores, with fraudsters increasingly targeting them through investment schemes, fake trading platforms, so-called digital arrest scams and other forms of online deception. According to Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police data, 403 cyber fraud cases involving senior citizens were registered between January 2025 and July 2026, resulting in total reported losses of ₹102.02 crore.
Trading fraud and digital arrest scams emerged as the biggest sources of financial losses. Of the total cases, 113 involved trading fraud, with victims losing ₹55.88 crore. Another 69 digital arrest cases resulted in losses of ₹31.93 crore. OTP frauds were the most frequent category, with 115 cases involving losses of ₹4.94 crore. Investment-related fraud accounted for 22 cases, in which senior citizens lost ₹2.79 crore.
Dating Fraud and Honeytraps Also Target Elderly Victims
Cybercriminals have also been exploiting the emotional vulnerability of senior citizens. Seven cases involving dating fraud and honeytraps resulted in losses of more than ₹70.11 lakh. According to investigators, fraudsters allegedly created fake profiles on social media and dating platforms, established contact with elderly victims and gradually built trust before demanding money.
Police believe that social and emotional isolation can make some elderly people particularly vulnerable to such schemes. Fraudsters can maintain online communication for extended periods, making it difficult for victims to recognise that they are interacting with a fake identity.
Average Number of Cases Declined in 2026
Police data indicates that the average number of cyber fraud cases involving senior citizens has declined in 2026, although the financial losses remain significant. In 2025, a total of 285 cases were registered, involving losses of ₹71.81 crore. By July 31, 2026, another 118 cases had been registered, with reported losses of ₹30.20 crore.
The monthly average fell from around 24 cases in 2025 to approximately 17 cases in 2026. Despite the decline in the number of cases, police remain concerned about high-value frauds in which victims lose substantial portions of their savings.
WhatsApp Job Offer Leads to ₹96 Lakh Fraud
In a recent case, a 75-year-old retired government officer from Jubilee Hills was allegedly targeted through a part-time job offer sent on WhatsApp. According to police, the victim was subsequently moved to a Telegram group that purportedly offered foreign exchange trading opportunities.
The fraudsters allegedly displayed fake profits to convince the victim that the investment was generating returns. Once his confidence was established, they allegedly demanded money in the name of withdrawal and processing charges. The victim ultimately lost ₹96 lakh, according to investigators.
Police are examining the digital accounts, communication channels and financial transactions allegedly used in the fraud to identify the people behind the operation.
Family and Bank Vigilance Can Prevent Major Losses
Investigators said family members often fail to notice changes in the digital behaviour or banking activity of elderly relatives. In several cases, fraud is detected only after substantial amounts have already been transferred from the victim’s accounts.
At the same time, alert bank employees have helped prevent several high-value cyber frauds. Suspicious transactions, attempts to prematurely close fixed deposits and unusually large RTGS or NEFT transfers have sometimes prompted bank staff to question customers and prevent potentially fraudulent transactions.
Police believe that greater communication between elderly family members and their relatives, along with closer monitoring of unusual banking activity, can help identify fraud at an early stage.
Police Warn: There Is No Legal Process Called ‘Digital Arrest’
Police have urged senior citizens not to panic if someone contacts them by phone or video call claiming to be a police officer, court official or government representative. Authorities have clarified that there is no legal procedure called “digital arrest”.
No law-enforcement agency conducts an arrest or interrogation through a video call or demands money from an individual to avoid arrest. Police advised people not to share banking credentials, OTPs or transfer money in response to such threats.
Citizens who fall victim to cyber fraud have been advised to immediately call 1930 or file a complaint through the national cybercrime reporting portal. According to investigators, reporting the fraud during the initial “golden hour” can help banks and law-enforcement agencies freeze fraudulent transactions and improve the possibility of recovering the money.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
