Cybercriminals are increasingly using personal information to target specific groups of people, including pregnant women, new mothers and recently married women, instead of sending fraudulent messages at random. Police have warned that scammers are exploiting details about victims’ circumstances to make their calls and messages appear genuine.
Fraudsters are reportedly using information obtained through data leaks to impersonate government representatives, healthcare workers and officials associated with welfare schemes. They then persuade victims to share banking information, disclose one-time passwords (OTPs) or open fraudulent links.
How Are Cybercriminals Selecting Their Victims?
Cybercrime officials have observed a change in the way fraudsters identify potential victims. Instead of approaching people randomly, scammers are selecting individuals based on their personal circumstances.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers and newly married couples are among the groups being targeted.
Investigators believe fraudsters are obtaining personal information through data leaks and using it to create convincing stories that match a victim’s situation.
This information allows criminals to approach individuals with specific claims about government benefits, healthcare payments or registration requirements.
By referring to details that appear relevant to the victim, scammers attempt to establish trust before requesting money or sensitive information.
Police have also warned that fraudsters are exploiting public awareness of government welfare programmes to make their approaches appear legitimate.
How Are Pregnant Women Being Targeted?
Several pregnant women and mothers who registered at Anganwadi centres in Hyderabad have complained about receiving fraudulent calls connected to government schemes.
According to police, scammers often begin conversations by referring to a woman’s pregnancy or registration details.
In one reported method, the caller tells a pregnant woman that the government has approved a payment of ₹12,500 for her.
The caller then claims that a verification process must be completed before the money can be transferred. Victims are asked to share an OTP received on their mobile phones, supposedly to complete the verification. However, the OTP is used to facilitate fraudulent transactions rather than release any government benefit.
Police said the callers sometimes possess enough personal information to convince victims that they are speaking to genuine representatives.
How Did a Pregnant Woman Lose ₹6,000?
In one incident, a pregnant woman lost ₹6,000 from her bank account after sharing an OTP during a fraudulent interaction.
The woman reportedly questioned the caller after discovering that money had been withdrawn. According to police, the fraudster responded by claiming that she would have to file a cybercrime complaint.
The victim subsequently approached the police. Investigators said the woman had registered her details at an Anganwadi centre, raising concerns about how scammers obtained information relevant to her pregnancy.
The incident illustrates how criminals can combine personal details with false promises of financial assistance to persuade victims to disclose sensitive banking information.
How Are Fake Hospital Messages Being Used?
Police have identified another method in which scammers exploit medical emergencies to obtain money.
In a recent incident in Mahabubnagar district, a pregnant woman received a message on her mobile phone asking her to register for government assistance.
After clicking the link, she received a message indicating that ₹50,000 had been credited for hospital expenses.
The message was intended to convince her that financial assistance had been provided.
Investigators said such messages can be used to draw victims into further fraudulent interactions involving personal details, banking information or payment requests.
The use of hospital expenses and pregnancy-related assistance makes these messages particularly relevant to women who may already be expecting financial support.
Police have also reported that a newly married woman in Warangal district was allegedly targeted through a message asking her to register for the Tulam Gold Scheme.
The incidents indicate that scammers are tailoring their approaches to different groups by referring to benefits that appear connected to their circumstances.
How Do Fake Government Scheme Links Work?
Cybercriminals are circulating fraudulent registration links through WhatsApp and other messaging platforms.
These links are presented as opportunities to register for government schemes or receive financial assistance.
In one reported method, victims are asked to register for the Tulam Gold Scheme by opening a link and entering their details.
Once the link is opened, a fake page appears and asks users to provide information.
Scammers may then request an OTP, claiming that it is necessary to confirm registration or release the promised benefit.
Police said fraudsters are also using the names of Anganwadi centres, hospitals, diagnostic centres and other public services to make their messages appear credible.
Some fraudulent links have reportedly been made to resemble registration services associated with government programmes.
Investigators have also received allegations that personal information is being sold in packages through Telegram groups operating on the dark web.
Such information could allow criminals to identify potential victims and create messages based on their personal circumstances.
Why Are Police Concerned About Data Leaks?
The use of personal information has become a significant concern because it allows scammers to approach victims with details that ordinary strangers would not normally possess.
A caller who knows that a woman is pregnant, recently married or registered for a welfare programme may appear more trustworthy.
Police believe this familiarity increases the chances of victims responding to fraudulent requests.
Cybercrime officials have also warned that scammers sometimes impersonate government employees by contacting victims through WhatsApp, making phone calls or sending OTP requests.
However, knowing someone’s personal details does not establish that the caller represents a government department.
Officials have stressed that applications for government schemes are received directly from beneficiaries through public administration centres or authorised channels.
They have advised people to verify any message claiming to offer government benefits before opening links or sharing information.
What Should People Do to Avoid These Scams?
Police have advised citizens not to trust unsolicited messages promising government assistance, particularly when they contain unfamiliar registration links.
People should avoid sharing OTPs, banking details or other sensitive information with callers claiming to represent welfare departments.
Any communication concerning a government scheme should be verified through the appropriate government office or authorised service.
Officials have also warned against opening unknown links received through WhatsApp or SMS, even when the message contains accurate personal details.
Anyone who unknowingly opens a suspicious link and discovers that their account has been debited should immediately contact the cybercrime toll-free number 1930 or register a complaint through the official cybercrime reporting portal.
Prompt reporting can help authorities begin examining fraudulent transactions and take appropriate action.
The420 Takeaway: “Scammers Know Your Details, But That Does Not Make Them Genuine”
The growing use of personal information in cyber fraud shows that criminals are moving beyond generic messages to scams designed around individual circumstances. Pregnancy details, marriage information and welfare registrations can all be used to create convincing fraudulent claims. A caller’s knowledge of personal information should never be treated as proof of identity. Verifying government benefits through authorised channels and refusing to share OTPs remain essential safeguards against such fraud.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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