Hybrid cyber fraud | Hyderabad, August 26: Hyderabad Cyber Crime police have warned people about hybrid cyber fraud gangs that combine phone theft with online banking fraud.
These gangs reportedly target senior citizens and people with limited knowledge of digital technology. They first steal mobile phones from crowded buses, bus stops and other busy places.
The gangs reportedly watch passengers while they unlock their phones. They observe the PIN or screen pattern and later steal the device.
However, the criminals may use another method when they do not know the phone’s screen lock. They may contact victims after the theft and claim they are bus conductors.
They may also promise to return the phone after completing an owner verification process. During these conversations, they allegedly persuade victims to disclose their screen passwords.
Hybrid cyber fraud gangs | Stolen phones become tools for bank account theft
Once they gain access to a device, the fraudsters reportedly search the gallery and notes applications. They look for photographs or stored details linked to debit cards, Aadhaar and PAN cards.
They then use the stolen SIM card to receive one time passwords. Using these OTPs, they can reportedly reset UPI and net banking credentials.
After gaining access to banking services, the gang members allegedly transfer the money to mule accounts or online gaming applications. They later withdraw or move the funds through different channels.
Hyderabad Cyber Crime officials said they have already arrested three suspects in connection with this type of offence. Police also seized five mobile phones from them.
Police have urged citizens to remain particularly cautious after losing a mobile phone. They said people should never disclose their screen lock PIN, pattern or OTP to anyone.
Officials 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 goes missing, users should immediately block the SIM card and banking and UPI services linked to the device. They should also block the handset through the government’s CEIR portal.
People who suffer a cyber financial fraud should immediately report it through the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or the cybercrime reporting portal.
Police also urged families to explain these fraud methods to elderly members. Early awareness can help prevent criminals from gaining access to personal and banking information.
The warning comes as mobile phones increasingly serve as gateways to financial services. Protecting the device, screen credentials and banking information can therefore reduce the risk of financial loss.
సాంప్రదాయ జేబుదొంగతనాలకు ఆధునిక సైబర్ నేరాలను జోడించి అమాయకుల బ్యాంక్ ఖాతాలను ఖాళీ చేస్తున్న సరికొత్త హైబ్రిడ్ సైబర్ ఫ్రాడ్ ముఠాల పట్ల ప్రజలు అత్యంత అప్రమత్తంగా ఉండాలి.
ముఖ్యంగా సీనియర్ సిటిజన్లు, సాంకేతిక పరిజ్ఞానం తక్కువగా ఉన్నవారే లక్ష్యంగా ఈ ముఠాలు వ్యవస్థీకృతంగా దోపిడీకి… pic.twitter.com/eSVinTDGGm
— V.C. Sajjanar, IPS (@SajjanarVC_IPS) August 26, 2026
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