Stock trading and business investment frauds account for nearly 60% of the financial losses suffered by cybercrime victims in Telangana, according to the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB). The figure was highlighted as the State launched its Independence Day cyber safety campaign, “Suraksha Ka Tiranga”, aimed at strengthening public awareness and encouraging safer online behaviour.
The campaign, themed “Towards a Cyber Independent Telangana”, was launched in Hyderabad on the eve of Independence Day in the presence of DGP C.V. Anand, TGCSB Director Shikha Goel, actor Akkineni Nagarjuna Rao, senior police officers, students, teachers and representatives of community organisations.
Cybercrime Complaints Fall in Telangana
TGCSB Director Shikha Goel said cybercrime complaints increased by 24% across India in 2025, while Telangana recorded a 3% decline. Financial losses linked to cybercrime in the State fell by 20.2% during the same period, compared with a national reduction of only 3%.
The improvement continued in the first half of 2026, with cybercrime complaints declining by 10.2% and financial losses falling by 26.8%. However, the proportion of funds put on hold increased from 21% to 29%.
Goel said Telangana had secured the top rank nationally in the Pragati review, which assesses States on nine cybercrime performance parameters. These include the implementation and utilisation of national platforms such as Samanvaya, Sahyog, the Money Recovery Module and the Grievance Redressal Module.
Campaign Focuses on Safer Online Behaviour
Actor Akkineni Nagarjuna Rao shared his approach to online safety during the programme, saying he never acts in a hurry, verifies unexpected messages and does not respond to calls or messages designed to create pressure or urgency. He said fraudsters often exploit trust and haste rather than technology alone.
DGP C.V. Anand said an alert and informed citizen remains the strongest line of defence against cybercrime. He urged people to pause and verify before sharing money or personal information and to report fraud immediately.
Campaign posters and films were released during the programme. Students from SPARC clubs received appreciation certificates for cyber-awareness films and other material, while certificates were also presented to units that performed well in the Pragati review.
Investment Frauds Remain a Major Financial Threat
Despite the decline in overall complaints and losses, stock trading and business investment scams continue to represent a substantial financial threat, accounting for nearly 60% of cybercrime-related financial losses in Telangana.
The campaign seeks to reinforce preventive behaviour among citizens by encouraging them to scrutinise unexpected communications, avoid acting under pressure and verify requests involving money or personal information.
Authorities also stressed the importance of quickly reporting cyber fraud. Citizens who fall victim to such crimes have been advised to immediately contact the cybercrime helpline at 1930 or report the incident through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
