Cyber Scams Cost Telangana Doctors Nearly ₹29.88 Crore; 735 Medical Professionals Duped
TGCSB revealed that 735 doctors in Telangana lost nearly ₹29.88 crore to cyber scams since September 2024. Business and Investment Frauds accounted for ₹22.39 crore in losses, prompting a major cyber awareness drive.
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has revealed that 735 doctors across Telangana have fallen victim to cyber fraud since September 2024, collectively losing nearly ₹29.88 crore. The figures were disclosed during a high-level cyber awareness meeting organized for the medical fraternity in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
Table of Contents
The meeting was led by Shikha Goel, Director of TGCSB, along with senior officials, and was attended by 72 representatives from major medical associations across the state.
Shikha Goel Warns Doctors About Rising Cyber Threats
Addressing the gathering, Shikha Goel warned that healthcare professionals are increasingly becoming targets of sophisticated cybercriminals.
She emphasized that education and professional status do not provide immunity against online fraud and stated that awareness and timely reporting remain the most effective safeguards against cybercrime.
Business and Investment Frauds Cause Highest Losses
According to TGCSB data, Business and Investment Frauds caused the highest financial losses among doctors.
The bureau revealed that:
- 127 doctors lost ₹22.39 crore in Business and Investment Frauds.
Other major cyber fraud categories included:
| Fraud Category | Amount Lost |
|---|---|
| Business and Investment Frauds | ₹22.39 crore |
| Digital Arrest Frauds | ₹2.26 crore |
| Identity Theft | ₹2.05 crore |
| Impersonation Scams | ₹1.32 crore |
| Advertisement Frauds | ₹1.17 crore |
TGCSB Urges Immediate Reporting During ‘Golden Hour’
Officials urged victims of cyber fraud to report incidents immediately through:
- Cyber Crime Helpline 1930
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
According to officials, prompt reporting improves the chances of freezing fraudulent transactions during the critical “Golden Hour.”
Major Medical Associations Participate in Cyber Awareness Meeting
Representatives from several medical organizations participated in the discussions, including:
- Indian Medical Association
- Telangana Speciality Hospital Association
- Telangana Doctors Federation
- Telangana Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association
The meeting focused on strengthening cyber awareness among healthcare professionals and reducing cybercrime risks.
Joint Commitment to Strengthen Cyber Awareness
The meeting concluded with a joint commitment to enhance cyber awareness among healthcare professionals across Telangana.
Participants endorsed the slogan:
“Together for Cyber Awareness – Prevention – Protection.”
Key Highlights
- Organization: Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB)
- Location: Hyderabad
- Date: June 16
- Doctors Affected: 735
- Period Covered: Since September 2024
- Total Losses: Nearly ₹29.88 crore
- Meeting Led By: Shikha Goel, Director, TGCSB
- Representatives Present: 72
- Highest Loss Category: Business and Investment Frauds
- Doctors Affected in Investment Frauds: 127
- Loss in Investment Frauds: ₹22.39 crore
- Cyber Helpline: 1930
- Reporting Platform: National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has revealed that 735 doctors across Telangana lost nearly ₹29.88 crore to cyber fraud since September 2024, with Business and Investment Frauds alone accounting for ₹22.39 crore in losses affecting 127 doctors. During a cyber awareness meeting in Hyderabad led by Shikha Goel, Director of TGCSB, officials urged healthcare professionals to report cybercrime immediately through Helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to improve the chances of recovering funds during the crucial Golden Hour.
Follow MunsifNews24x7 for latest updates.
