Telangana Doctors Lose Nearly ₹30 Crore to Cyber Fraud Since September 2024

Cybercriminals have defrauded doctors across Telangana of nearly ₹30 crore since September 2024, prompting authorities to strengthen awareness campaigns and cybersecurity education within the healthcare sector.

The alarming figures were revealed during a cyber awareness programme organized by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) in Hyderabad. Senior officials warned that healthcare professionals are increasingly becoming targets of sophisticated online scams despite their educational and professional backgrounds.

Healthcare Professionals Under Growing Cyber Threat

Addressing representatives from various medical associations, TGCSB Director Shikha Goel highlighted the rising number of cybercrime incidents involving doctors and healthcare workers. She emphasized that cybercriminals are exploiting digital platforms to target individuals across all professions, including highly qualified medical practitioners.

Officials stressed that vigilance, awareness, and prompt reporting remain the strongest defenses against cyber fraud. The event focused on strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the medical fraternity to improve preparedness against evolving cyber threats.

More than 70 office-bearers from medical organizations across Telangana attended the session, including presidents, secretaries, treasurers, and senior representatives.

Investment Scams Responsible for Major Financial Losses

According to TGCSB data, at least 735 doctors have reported cybercrime-related incidents since September 2024, with total losses reaching approximately ₹29.88 crore.

Business and investment fraud emerged as the most damaging category, accounting for losses of ₹22.39 crore involving 127 victims. Investigators noted that fraudsters often lure professionals with promises of high returns, fake investment opportunities, and deceptive business schemes.

Authorities also reported a wide range of other cyber offences affecting doctors, including digital arrest scams, identity theft, impersonation fraud, fake advertisements, job-related scams, insurance fraud, cryptocurrency fraud, UPI-related cheating, matrimonial scams, and sextortion cases.

Authorities Stress Importance of Rapid Reporting

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau urged victims to report cybercrime incidents immediately, especially during the critical “golden hour” after a fraudulent transaction occurs.

Officials explained that timely complaints through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 and the official cybercrime reporting portal can significantly improve the chances of freezing suspicious transactions and recovering stolen funds.

The bureau further warned that cybercriminals are employing increasingly advanced techniques to deceive victims, making awareness and quick action more important than ever.

Medical Associations Join Awareness Drive

Representatives from associations of paediatricians, cardiologists, dentists, orthopaedic surgeons, gynaecologists, and hospital administrators participated in the discussions. The groups pledged to work closely with authorities to spread cybersecurity awareness through hospitals, clinics, medical conferences, and professional training programmes.

Officials believe that expanding cyber awareness among healthcare professionals will play a key role in reducing financial fraud and strengthening digital security across the state’s medical community.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, law enforcement agencies are encouraging doctors and other professionals to remain cautious when responding to investment offers, unknown communications, and requests for sensitive financial information online.