DGP Shivadher Reddy calls for public awareness to curb cyber crimes

Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) B. Shivadher Reddy, IPS, emphasized that every citizen must stay alert and informed about cyber safety to ensure a secure society. He was speaking at the launch of the “Jagrit Hyderabad - Surakshit Hyderabad” Cyber Awareness Campaign held at Kawadiguda, along with Hyderabad City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar.

The DGP noted that in today’s digital era, cyber crimes are increasing rapidly, and the best defense lies in personal awareness. “If every household has one Cyber Simba volunteer, our society will be much safer,” he said, urging people of all ages - from children to elders - to learn about safe online practices.

Commissioner Sajjanar pointed out that new types of online frauds are emerging every day, costing citizens crores of rupees. He cautioned people not to trust unknown calls, messages, links, or apps. “Clicking on suspicious links or schemes can put both your money and personal data at risk,” he warned.

DGP Shivadher Reddy also announced that the police department will be organizing several awareness programs and workshops on cyber safety in the coming months. “Public cooperation and awareness are the foundation of a secure Telangana,” he said, stressing that the goal of the project is to make every village and town cyber-safe.

Who is most affected by cyber crimes?

According to data from Telangana Cyber Crime Units and the National Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), certain groups are more vulnerable:

• Senior citizens often fall prey to scams due to limited technical awareness.

• Students and youth are targeted through fake social media links, gaming apps, online loan apps, and bogus job offers.

• Working professionals are often victims of phishing emails, fake investment opportunities, and online frauds.

• Farmers and rural citizens are deceived by scams related to government schemes like PM-Kisan, bank subsidies, or loan offers, often involving OTP-based frauds.

The message from the Telangana Police is clear - “Be alert, be aware, and help build a cyber-secure Telangana.”