Valentine’s Day cyber safety alert over surge in romance, sextortion and stalking cases in Telangana

Telangana Cyber Security Bureau warns of rising romance scams and sextortion ahead of Valentine’s Day, urging online safety vigilance.

Amid Valentine’s Day celebrations, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has issued a cyber safety alert warning citizens about a rise in online frauds and digital exploitation linked to romance and festive promotions.

In an advisory issued on February 13, the bureau stated that cybercriminals are exploiting emotions, relationships and seasonal marketing campaigns to trap victims. While genuine gift offers and online discounts circulate widely during the festive period, fraudsters are simultaneously pushing fake Valentine gift links, flower delivery scams, discount coupons and romantic messages through WhatsApp, SMS, social media platforms, dating applications and email.

Officials highlighted a concerning increase in matrimonial and romance scams based on false promises of marriage. In such cases, offenders create fake profiles on matrimonial portals and social networking sites, posing as NRIs, defence personnel, doctors, engineers or government officials. After building emotional trust and promising marriage, they seek money on various pretexts, including medical emergencies, visa processing, travel expenses, customs clearance or investment opportunities.

In January 2026 alone, 39 such cases have been reported with losses amounting to ₹70,91,059. In 2025, the State recorded 384 cases leading to financial losses of over ₹12.65 crore.

In one case cited by officials, a 29-year-old IT professional from Hyderabad was drawn into a relationship with a woman claiming to work abroad. After gaining his confidence, she persuaded him to invest in a fraudulent trading platform that displayed virtual profits exceeding ₹1 crore. When he attempted to withdraw funds, he was asked to pay additional ‘tax’. He ultimately lost ₹46 lakh after premature closure of fixed deposits and pledging family gold.

Officials also highlighted rising sextortion cases, where offenders befriend victims online and initiate video interactions. Intimate visuals are recorded or morphed, and victims are threatened with public circulation unless money is paid. In 2025, 1,231 sextortion cases were reported, with losses totalling over ₹3.2 crore. In January 2026, 88 cases were registered, accounting for losses of ₹7,19,582.