Pause, think and verify before responding to money requests: Shikha Goel
Nearly 60% of the money lost by cybercrime victims in Telangana is tied to stock-trading and investment frauds, while authorities have managed to recover ₹455 crore from cyber fraudsters over the past two years, Principal Secretary (Home) and Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TCSB) Director Shikha Goel said on Tuesday.
At a Hyderabad symposium, a call for vigilance
Speaking at a cybersecurity symposium in Madhapur, Ms. Goel said organised cybercrime networks are increasingly exploiting human behaviour rather than just technological vulnerabilities. Criminals cultivate trust and then manipulate victims into transferring money or sharing sensitive information, she said.
“Cybercrime is one of the most organised crimes. At the same time, it is also one of the most preventable crimes,” Ms. Goel noted, adding that fear, greed and ignorance often leave people vulnerable. She urged citizens to pause, think and verify before responding to any request involving money or personal data.
Sophisticated syndicates operating across borders
Outlining the changing landscape of cybercrime, Ms. Goel said fraud networks now run operations from countries including Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. These syndicates function across multiple locations and time zones, making it harder for investigators to identify and reach those ultimately controlling the networks.
Some groups operate call centres staffed by employees who speak the languages of their targets, enabling them to convincingly impersonate service providers, brokers or officials. According to Ms. Goel, this linguistic and cultural fluency helps syndicates build credibility and manipulate victims more effectively.
Investment scams dominate losses
Data shared at the event indicated that investment and stock-trading frauds account for nearly 60% of the money lost to cybercrime in the State. Ms. Goel said the TCSB and law enforcement agencies have prioritised efforts to track and freeze illicit transfers, resulting in the recovery of ₹455 crore over the last two years. She emphasised that rapid reporting by victims remains critical to improving recovery rates.
When trust becomes the weapon
The discussion, titled “When Trust Becomes the Weapon – The New Battle for the Human Mind,” drew more than 200 participants and explored how cybercriminals exploit trust, urgency and social engineering to override people’s judgement. The panel also examined the growing role of artificial intelligence in amplifying cyber threats.
AI dependence and digital hygiene under scrutiny
Cyber-law expert and Supreme Court advocate Pavan Duggal cautioned against excessive reliance on AI for routine decision-making. He argued that continuously outsourcing tasks and judgement to technology could gradually erode individuals’ ability to think independently and discern risks.
Cybersecurity expert Jiten Jain urged people to treat their mobile numbers as sensitive personal information, not something to be routinely shared at shops and billing counters. Mobile numbers, he warned, often serve as an entry point for social-engineering and identity-related fraud.
‘The real battle is human judgement’
In her opening remarks, managing trustee of the Symposium, Shruti Mallpani, said the central contest in cybersecurity is not about tools but about human decision-making. The objective of the forum, she added, was to create conversations that help citizens understand emerging threats and make safer choices in the digital environment.
Awareness drive across Telangana
The programme also featured the launch of cybersecurity awareness videos and educational materials developed in collaboration with the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau. Organisers said the initiative has already reached nearly 2.95 lakh pensioners and more than three lakh serving employees across the State, aiming to equip them with practical strategies to recognise and resist online frauds.
Takeaway for citizens
Emphasising that cybercrime thrives on manipulation, Ms. Goel’s message was clear: remain sceptical of unsolicited requests for money or information; verify independently before acting; and report suspicious activity promptly. As fraud networks become more agile and geographically dispersed, coordinated vigilance by citizens and swift response by authorities are essential to limiting losses and improving recoveries.
