Veteran actor Nagarjuna Akkineni has urged people to remain vigilant while using mobile phones, social media and online services, saying that anyone can become a victim of cybercrime if they respond carelessly to suspicious calls, messages or offers.
Speaking at the “Suraksha Ka Tiranga” cyber-awareness programme in Hyderabad, Nagarjuna shared his own experiences with attempted fraud and advised people to verify information before acting. The programme was organised by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau and was aimed at educating the public about online scams and the methods used by cybercriminals.
Actor Recalls Suspicious Investment Approach
Nagarjuna recalled an incident from around four years ago when a person claiming to be associated with a bank approached him with an investment opportunity. He said such approaches could result in financial losses or lead people to disclose sensitive personal information.
He cautioned people against responding immediately to unknown callers or unsolicited messages, particularly when financial opportunities or urgent requests are involved. His message focused on the need for greater caution as fraudsters increasingly use phone calls, digital platforms and social media to reach potential victims.
Nagarjuna said people should remain alert even when the person contacting them claims to represent a legitimate institution. He stressed that suspicious claims should be verified independently before any money is transferred or personal details are shared.
Fraudsters Posed as Police in Relative’s Case
The actor also spoke about an incident involving one of his relatives in Iran. According to Nagarjuna, fraudsters posing as police officials claimed that drugs had been found in the relative’s baggage.
He said such scams were designed to frighten victims and pressure them into making quick decisions without verifying whether the claims were genuine. He advised people to stay calm when confronted with threatening or suspicious calls and messages, instead of responding under pressure.
Nagarjuna said fraudsters often rely on fear and urgency to influence their targets. He therefore urged people to pause, verify the information and avoid taking immediate action solely on the basis of what an unknown caller or sender tells them.
Passwords, OTPs and Bank Details Must Remain Private
Nagarjuna said he takes digital security seriously and regularly changes his passwords to protect his online accounts. He advised people never to share passwords, bank details, OTPs or other sensitive information with strangers.
He also urged users to remain cautious while using social media and other online services, where unsolicited approaches can expose them to cyber fraud. His advice centred on simple precautions such as safeguarding account credentials and independently checking suspicious information.
The cyber-awareness programme was attended by Telangana DGP CV Anand, Telangana Cyber Security Bureau Director Shikha Goel, SPs Sai Sri and Harshavardhan, along with other officials.
The programme sought to raise awareness about common online fraud techniques and encourage people to adopt safer digital practices. Nagarjuna’s message at the event was that cybercrime can affect anyone and that vigilance, verification and protection of personal information remain essential safeguards against fraud.
