735 Telangana doctors lose Rs 30 crore to cyber fraud since September 2024
Cyber Fraud
Hyderabad: Doctors across Telangana have lost nearly Rs 30 crore to various online scams over the past two years, with cyber fraudsters increasingly targeting members of the medical fraternity, according to the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB).
According to the official data, 735 doctors have fallen victim to various cyber frauds since September 2024, resulting in losses amounting to Rs 29.88 crore.
Speaking to Telangana Today, officials said investment and business-related scams caused the most serious financial damage, accounting for over Rs 22 crore in losses.
Apart from investment scams, healthcare professionals were targeted through digital arrest frauds, identity theft, impersonation scams, and deceptive online advertisements. Cases involving job frauds, cryptocurrency scams, UPI-related frauds, loan scams, and sextortion were also reported.
TGCSB Director Shikha Goel warned that professional qualifications and social status do not provide immunity against cybercriminals. She urged healthcare professionals to exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited phone calls, messages, emails, and online investment offers.
Officials stressed that prompt reporting during the critical first few hours after a fraud can significantly improve the chances of freezing transactions and recovering stolen funds. The bureau has advised victims to immediately report cyber financial fraud through the national helpline 1930 and the cybercrime reporting portal.
The issue was discussed with senior representatives from major medical bodies, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Telangana Speciality Hospital Association (TSHA), Telangana Doctors Federation (TDF), and Telangana Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (THANA), along with several other specialist associations.
Participants suggested stronger cyber awareness and training measures for the healthcare sector. It was also agreed to spread cyber safety guidelines through hospitals, clinics, medical conferences, and continuing medical education programmes.
TGCSB and the participating associations resolved to work together under the motto ‘Together for Cyber Awareness – Prevention – Protection’ to create a cyber-aware healthcare community and prevent doctors from becoming easy targets for online scammers, reports News Meter.
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