Cyber Fraud Decline: Telangana Sees Losses Drop to ₹681 Crore in 2024-25
Hyderabad, Telangana – September 24, 2025
In a significant milestone for Telangana’s fight against digital crime, the state has reported a sharp decline in cyber fraud losses, plummeting to ₹681 crore in the financial year 2024-25, down from ₹1,200 crore the previous year. The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, in a press briefing yesterday, attributed this 43% reduction to robust public awareness campaigns, enhanced law enforcement measures, and growing digital literacy among citizens. This development, announced on the eve of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, underscores Telangana’s emergence as a leader in combating cybercrime in India.
A Dramatic Turnaround
The decline in cyber fraud losses marks a turning point for Telangana, which, like much of India, has grappled with a surge in digital scams over the past decade. According to the Cyber Security Bureau, the state recorded 28,000 cybercrime complaints in 2024-25, a 15% decrease from the 33,000 cases reported in 2023-24. Financial losses, which peaked at ₹1,200 crore last year due to phishing, investment scams, and identity theft, have now dropped to ₹681 crore – a figure still substantial but indicative of significant progress.
“The numbers tell a story of resilience,” said R. Venkateshwar, Director of the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, during the briefing in Hyderabad. “Our multi-pronged approach – combining technology, public education, and swift action – is paying off. But we’re not complacent; every rupee lost to fraud is one too many.”
Driving Factors Behind the Decline
The Bureau credits a series of strategic initiatives for the downturn in cyber fraud. Central to this success is the state’s aggressive public awareness campaign, launched in mid-2023 under the banner “Cyber Suraksha Telangana.” The campaign, rolled out across social media, radio, and community workshops, educated over 2 million citizens on recognizing phishing emails, securing online transactions, and reporting suspicious activity. Billboards across Hyderabad, Warangal, and Nizamabad featuring slogans like “Think Before You Click” have become familiar sights, resonating particularly with rural and semi-urban populations.
Technological interventions have also played a pivotal role. The Bureau’s upgraded Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, integrated with AI-driven fraud detection tools, has reduced response times for complaints from 48 hours to under 12 hours. Collaboration with banks and payment platforms has led to real-time transaction monitoring, freezing 4,500 suspicious accounts this year alone. “We’ve blocked over ₹200 crore in fraudulent transactions before they could reach criminals,” Venkateshwar noted, citing partnerships with RBI and major fintech firms.
Training programs for law enforcement have further strengthened the state’s response. Over 3,000 police personnel across Telangana’s 33 districts have undergone specialized cybercrime training, enabling faster case resolution. The Bureau’s 24/7 helpline (1930) has handled 1.5 lakh calls in 2024, recovering ₹85 crore for victims through swift coordination with financial institutions.
The Persistent Threat
Despite the progress, cyber fraud remains a formidable challenge. Investment scams, particularly those promising high returns through fake trading apps, accounted for 40% of losses (₹272 crore) in 2024-25. Phishing attacks targeting UPI users and job scams exploiting unemployed youth also remain prevalent. Rural areas, where digital literacy lags, reported 30% of cases, highlighting the need for targeted outreach.
A recent case in Hyderabad, where a retiree lost ₹15 lakh to a fake cryptocurrency scheme, underscores the sophistication of modern scams. “Criminals are using AI to craft convincing emails and voice calls,” warned S. Priya, a cybersecurity expert at IIIT-Hyderabad. “While losses are down, the threat is evolving, and citizens must stay vigilant.”
Voices from the Ground
Residents across Telangana have lauded the state’s efforts. “I got a suspicious call about a lottery win last month,” said Lakshmi Narayana, a shopkeeper in Karimnagar. “Thanks to the radio ads, I knew it was a scam and reported it immediately.” Such anecdotes reflect the impact of awareness drives, particularly among older citizens who are frequent targets.
However, some activists argue that more needs to be done. “The decline is encouraging, but ₹681 crore is still a massive loss,” said Anjali Rao, founder of CyberSafe Telangana, an NGO. “We need schools to teach cybersecurity and stricter regulations on unregulated fintech apps.”
A Model for India?
Telangana’s success has caught the attention of other states. The Bureau’s model, blending technology, awareness, and enforcement, is being studied by Karnataka and Maharashtra, where cyber fraud losses remain high. Nationally, India lost ₹10,319 crore to cybercrime in 2024, per NCRB data, making Telangana’s 43% reduction a standout achievement.
The state is not resting on its laurels. Plans for 2025-26 include deploying AI chatbots for real-time scam alerts, expanding cybercrime cells to all districts, and launching a mobile app to educate users on safe digital practices. “Our goal is to make Telangana the safest digital state in India,” Venkateshwar declared.
A Call to Action
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month approaches, the Bureau has urged citizens to adopt simple practices: use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and verify links before clicking. “Every citizen is a soldier in this fight,” Venkateshwar emphasized. “Awareness is our strongest weapon.”
Sai Saket, the Guntakal student who recently made headlines for landing a Rs 5 crore US tech job, weighed in on the issue. “Tech can be a force for good, but it’s a double-edged sword,” he said. “I hope my generation uses its skills to build secure systems and protect people from fraud.”
Telangana’s journey from ₹1,200 crore to ₹681 crore in losses is a story of progress, but the battle is far from over. As digital adoption surges, the state’s proactive measures offer a blueprint for a safer, smarter future.
For cybercrime reporting, dial 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in. Learn more about staying safe online at telangana.gov.in/cybersafety.
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