Valentines Day: Be Careful Don't Be Scammed!

The much anticipated Valentine’s Day is finally here, and this is going to be celebrated with a lot of spirit by couples across Hyderabad city, along with other urban pockets across the country. But at the same time, people must be aware of the kind of fraudulent activities that could be happening.

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has issued an important advisory ahead of Valentine’s Day, warning citizens about a sharp rise in online scams across Telangana.

Officials say fraudsters are actively targeting people through romance scams, fake gift offers, and attractive discount links designed to steal money and personal information.

According to 2025 data, the state reported 384 romance and matrimonial fraud cases that resulted in losses of about ₹12.65 crore. Authorities also recorded 1,231 s*xtortion complaints, with victims losing nearly ₹3.20 crore.

In addition, more than 3,100 cyber stalking incidents were registered, highlighting the growing threat of digital crime during festive and emotionally driven occasions.

Cyber criminals typically create fake dating profiles, impersonate genuine individuals, and build emotional trust before demanding money. Some send malicious links for flowers or gifts, while others trap victims into sharing private photos and then use them for blackmail.

Officials strongly advise the public to remain cautious while interacting online. Always verify profiles before forming connections and shop only on trusted, official websites. Enable two factor authentication on important accounts to improve security.

Never share OTPs, bank details, or personal photos with strangers. Most importantly, avoid sending money to people you have only met online, no matter how convincing their story may sound.