Hyderabad CP Sajjanar Cautions Public Against Search Engine Fraud

In an age where every query begins with a Google search, cybercriminals are turning convenience into vulnerability. CP of Hyderabad, V.C. Sajjanar has issued a stark warning: not every website that appears at the top of search results is legitimate and trusting them blindly could cost you dearly.

Fraudsters are now using advanced SEO tactics and paid advertisements to push counterfeit websites to the top of search engine results. These fake portals are carefully crafted to mirror official websites of government departments, banks, and leading e-commerce platforms , making them almost indistinguishable from the real ones.

The biggest targets? Users searching for customer care numbers, refunds, and online payment services . Once redirected to these deceptive sites, victims are prompted to enter login credentials, passwords, and banking details . The fallout is immediate accounts drained within minutes.

Beyond financial losses, experts warn of a more dangerous consequence: identity theft . Stolen personal data can be misused to commit further fraud in the victim’s name, deepening the damage.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Authorities advise citizens to:

• Scrutinize website URLs carefully,even minor spelling errors can signal a fake.

• Type official website addresses directly into the browser instead of relying on search results.

• Exercise extreme caution before clicking on links marked “Sponsored” or “Ad.”

• Report suspected fraud immediately by calling the National Cyber Crime Helpline – 1930 or filing a complaint online.

“In the online world, awareness is your strongest defence,” Sajjanar emphasized, urging internet users to stay vigilant in an increasingly sophisticated cyber landscape.