Commissioner of Police V.C. Sajjanar today issued a public warning to citizens ahead of Diwali: fraudsters are stepping up online scams, especially targeting festive shoppers with fake apps, websites, and too-good-to-be-true offers.

“Don’t fall prey this festive season,” Sajjanar cautioned. “Verify before you buy.”

Fraud Threats Rising During Diwali

• Scammers are using several tricks to cheat buyers:
• Fake e‑commerce platforms and APKs (mobile apps) that mimic real ones
• Phishing pages and fake payment gateways demanding card or banking info
• Messages promising gifts or “exclusive rewards” asking for upfront payments
• Social media ads with huge discounts that never deliver products

Real Hyderabad Cases

Two recent cases highlight the problem:

In Secunderabad, a woman lost ₹1.4 lakh to fraudsters posing as a gift‑offer site.

In Azampura, a man lost over ₹1 lakh after installing a malicious APK sent by a fake support number.

Safety Tips from the Commissioner

Sajjanar asked the public to:

• Avoid installing apps or APKs from unknown sources
• Shop only from trusted, verified platforms
• Never share OTPs, PINs, or card info on unverified links
• Ignore “winning gifts” messages or unknown reward offers
• Turn on two‑factor authentication (2FA) for their accounts
• Report suspicious activity without delay via 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in

By speaking out directly, Sajjanar aims to raise awareness and protect citizens from losing money this Diwali season.

#ThinkBeforeYouClick

Stay alert this festive season! 🎆

Cyber fraudsters are creating fake shopping sites, phishing links & malicious apps offering unbelievable Diwali discounts on gadgets and gifts.

Don’t fall prey — verify before you buy!

🛡️ Stay cyber safe. Stay… pic.twitter.com/hSEgS8zEQ2

— V.C. Sajjanar, IPS (@SajjanarVC) October 15, 2025