Senior citizens in Hyderabad are facing growing financial risks from online fraud, with 403 cybercrime cases involving elderly victims registered between January 2025 and July 2026.
According to Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police data, the reported losses from these cases reached ₹102.02 crore. Trading fraud and digital arrest scams accounted for the largest losses. Of the total cases, 113 trading fraud cases resulted in losses of ₹55.88 crore, while 69 digital arrest cases caused losses of ₹31.93 crore. OTP fraud was the most common category, with 115 cases and losses of ₹4.94 crore. Investment fraud accounted for 22 cases, resulting in losses of ₹2.79 crore.
Fraudsters have also targeted elderly people through emotional manipulation. 7 dating fraud and honeytrap cases resulted in losses of more than ₹70.11 lakh. Investigators said scammers often use fake social media and dating profiles to build trust before asking victims for money.
Police data shows that the number of cases has declined in 2026, but financial losses remain high. In 2025, 285 cases were registered, involving losses of ₹71.81 crore. By July 31, 2026, another 118 cases had been reported, with losses of ₹30.20 crore. The monthly average fell from around 24 cases in 2025 to about 17 cases in 2026.
In one recent case, a 75-year-old retired government officer from Jubilee Hills allegedly lost ₹96 lakh after being approached through a fake part-time job offer on WhatsApp. He was later added to a Telegram group promoting foreign exchange trading. After displaying fake profits, the fraudsters allegedly demanded money for withdrawals and processing charges.
Police are investigating the digital accounts, communication channels, and financial transactions linked to the case.
Investigators also highlighted the role of families and banks in preventing such fraud. Unusual banking activity, large RTGS or NEFT transfers, and attempts to prematurely close fixed deposits have helped bank employees identify and stop suspicious transactions in some cases.
Police have urged senior citizens not to respond to threats from people claiming to be police officers, court officials, or government representatives. Authorities clarified that there is no legal procedure called “digital arrest” and that no law-enforcement agency conducts arrests or interrogations through video calls or demands money to avoid arrest.
Victims should immediately call 1930 or report the incident through the national cybercrime reporting portal. Early reporting during the “golden hour” can help authorities freeze fraudulent transactions and improve the chances of recovering funds.
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