V.C Sajjanar, IPS Commissioner of Police Hyderabad, has issued an urgent alert to goat and sheep traders as the city gears up for Eid al-Adha celebrations. With livestock markets witnessing large crowds of buyers, fraudsters are exploiting the festive rush to target unsuspecting sellers through fake digital payment applications.
The markets across Hyderabad have become hotspots for scammers who are using counterfeit mobile applications resembling popular payment platforms like PhonePe. These fraudsters display fake transaction screens showing successful payments, tricking traders into believing that money has been transferred to their accounts. The chaotic environment of crowded markets makes it easier for these criminals to escape before sellers realize they have been duped.
Two recent incidents have been reported in the jurisdiction of Kanchenbagh and Rajendranagar police stations under the Hyderabad Commissionerate. In the Kanchenbagh area, six individuals arrived on three motorcycles and negotiated with a livestock trader. They showed a fake application screen displaying a payment of Rs. 68,000 and quickly left with the animals without any actual money being transferred.
In a similar case at Rajendranagar, four persons purchased goats valued at Rs. 48,000 and deceived the seller using the same fraudulent method. The victims only discovered the scam when they checked their bank accounts later and found no credited amount. Both sellers have filed formal complaints with the police, and investigations are currently underway.
The Hyderabad Police have emphasized that goat and sheep sellers must exercise extreme caution during transactions, especially those involving digital payments. Traders should not rely solely on screenshots or payment confirmation messages shown on a buyer’s mobile phone. These can be easily manipulated using fake applications designed to look authentic.
Sellers are strongly advised to verify every transaction by checking the official SMS notification received on their own registered mobile number from their bank. Alternatively, they should open their official banking application and confirm that the payment amount has been credited to their account before handing over any livestock. For high-value transactions, accepting cash payments remains the safest option to avoid falling victim to such scams.
The police have urged traders to remain vigilant and observe the behavior of buyers carefully. If anyone displays suspicious conduct or attempts to rush through a transaction without allowing proper verification, sellers should immediately contact authorities. The Hyderabad Police have provided emergency contact options for reporting such incidents promptly.
In case of any suspicious activity or attempted fraud, traders are instructed to immediately call Dial 100 or inform nearby police officers without any delay. The police department has assured full support to all genuine traders and has intensified patrolling in livestock market areas to prevent such fraudulent activities during the Eid al-Adha festival period.
