Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar warned people against hybrid cyber fraud gangs that combine traditional phone theft with online banking scams.
He said senior citizens and people with limited knowledge of technology were being systematically targeted by such gangs.
According to the Commissioner, the gangs watch passengers enter phone PINs or patterns at bus stands and on crowded buses. They then steal the unlocked phones.
If the thieves do not know the screen lock, they contact victims who call the stolen phone. They pose as bus conductors and promise to return the device.
In other cases, they use claims such as “owner verification” to trick victims into revealing their screen passwords.
The gangs then search the phone’s gallery and notes applications. They look for photographs or details of debit cards, Aadhaar and PAN cards.
Afterwards, the stolen SIM card allows them to receive OTPs. Using these codes, they reset UPI and net banking passwords.
The criminals then transfer the money to online gaming applications and mule accounts. They subsequently withdraw the funds.
Hybrid cyber fraud cases prompt police warning
Hyderabad Cyber Crime officials have already arrested three people in connection with such offences. Police also seized five mobile phones from the accused.
Sajjanar urged people to remain alert and protect their banking information after losing a phone.
He said people must never share their screen-lock PIN or OTP with anyone. This rule applies even when someone claiming to have found the phone contacts them.
The Commissioner also advised people not to store photographs of ATM cards, bank passbooks, Aadhaar cards or PAN cards in their phone gallery or notes applications.
If a phone is lost, users should immediately block the SIM card and banking and UPI services. They should also block the device through the CEIR portal.
Anyone who suspects a cyber fraud should immediately call the 1930 helpline or file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Sajjanar also urged families to explain these fraud methods to elderly members and keep them alert.