Hyderabad, August 9: Hyderabad City Police Commissioner Sajjanar warned that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting senior citizens through new scams.
He said senior citizens lost Rs 102.02 crore in 403 cybercrime cases between January 2025 and July 31, 2026.
The commissioner disclosed the figures while speaking to the media in Hyderabad on Sunday.
Trading And Digital Arrest Scams Cause Major Losses
Trading frauds caused the highest losses among the reported cases. Victims lost Rs 55.88 crore through 113 such cases.
Scammers often approach victims through WhatsApp and Telegram. They promise part time jobs, high returns and quick profits.
According to Sajjanar, fraudsters also use fake applications to display false trading profits and convince victims to invest more money.
Police registered 69 digital arrest cases involving senior citizens. Victims lost Rs 31.93 crore in these scams.
Fraudsters reportedly impersonate police, CBI, ED and customs officials. They then threaten victims with arrest through video calls.
OTP frauds accounted for 115 cases and caused losses of Rs 4.94 crore. Investment frauds caused another Rs 2.79 crore across 22 cases.
Senior citizens also faced dating fraud and honey trap scams. Police registered seven such cases involving losses of more than Rs 70.11 lakh.
Scammers reportedly establish contacts through social media and dating applications. They later demand money for gifts, customs charges or emergency expenses.
Police said some victims hesitate to report such frauds because they fear social embarrassment.
Sajjanar said cybercrime cases against senior citizens have declined following police awareness programmes.
In 2025, police registered 285 cases involving losses of Rs 71.81 crore. During the first seven months of 2026, 118 cases were registered, involving Rs 30.20 crore.
The monthly average declined from 24 cases to 17 cases, according to the commissioner.
Police are also working to recover stolen funds. They freeze bank accounts quickly after receiving complaints to prevent further transfers.
Sajjanar urged families to monitor senior citizens’ digital transactions and phone usage. He also advised people to report cyber frauds immediately.
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