Hyderabad: Hyderabad City Police have issued a fresh advisory urging women to remain cautious while interacting with strangers on social media and online dating platforms, warning that cyber criminals are increasingly using fake identities to target victims in romance scams.
Sharing the advisory on social media, Hyderabad City Police said that while genuine friendships can develop online, not every profile is real. Fraudsters often create attractive fake profiles to build emotional relationships before cheating victims financially.
“Friendship can be genuine but online profiles may not be. Cyber criminals use fake identities and attractive profiles to trap women emotionally and financially. Think before you trust.”
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How the Scam Works
According to the police awareness campaign, scammers usually begin by sending friend requests or messages through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and online dating apps. They spend weeks or even months gaining the victim’s trust by pretending to be professionals, NRIs, military officers or successful businesspersons.
Once a relationship is established, the fraudsters create convincing stories to demand money. Common excuses include:
- Medical emergencies
- Customs clearance charges
- Expensive gifts allegedly sent from abroad
- Travel expenses
- Business losses
- Urgent family problems
Many victims transfer money believing they are helping someone they trust, only to later discover that the online identity was fake.
Women Among Major Targets
The police noted that women are frequently targeted because scammers attempt to exploit emotions and build long-term relationships before asking for money. In several cases, victims have reportedly lost substantial amounts after being manipulated through emotional conversations and false promises.
Authorities have advised citizens never to send money to someone they have only met online, regardless of how convincing the story appears.
Safety Tips from Hyderabad Police
Hyderabad City Police have urged the public to follow these precautions:
- Verify the identity of anyone you meet online.
- Be cautious of profiles that appear too perfect or make quick declarations of friendship or love.
- Never share personal, banking or financial information with strangers.
- Avoid transferring money or paying customs, courier or emergency charges requested by online acquaintances.
- Report suspicious profiles and cyber fraud attempts immediately to the authorities.
Report Cyber Fraud Immediately
Police said victims or anyone who suspects an online romance scam should report the incident without delay through the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in). Prompt reporting can improve the chances of preventing further financial loss.
With online fraud becoming increasingly sophisticated, Hyderabad Police have urged citizens to remain alert and remember that not every online friendship is genuine. Verifying identities before placing trust in strangers can help prevent emotional and financial exploitation.
