Hyderabad CP V.C. Sajjanar Warns Public Against Cyber Frauds Exploiting Indiramma Housing Scheme

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has warned citizens to stay vigilant against cybercriminals exploiting the Telangana Government's Indiramma Housing Scheme, cautioning that fraudsters are targeting applicants through fake calls, fraudulent websites, and malicious links to steal money and personal data.

In a statement posted on X on Sunday, Sajjanar said the warning comes as the ₹10,000 Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) process has begun. He stressed that the scheme has no role for middlemen or brokers and that beneficiary selection is conducted entirely through a transparent government process.

He advised applicants not to click on unknown links received through WhatsApp, SMS, or email, or install APK files from unverified sources, as these can compromise mobile phones and drain bank accounts. Fraudsters may also create fake websites resembling official government portals to deceive applicants.

The Commissioner further warned people not to download AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or other screen-sharing applications at the request of strangers, as these apps can give criminals remote access to devices and sensitive banking information.

Sajjanar clarified that a UPI PIN is required only for making payments and never for receiving refunds. He urged beneficiaries not to share Aadhaar or other identity documents, bank account details, passwords, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) with anyone.

He also cautioned against people claiming they can secure an Indiramma house in exchange for money. Scammers often pressure applicants by falsely claiming it is the last day for payment or that their allotment will be cancelled unless they pay immediately. Applicants should ignore such claims and verify information only through official government channels.

Reassuring beneficiaries, Sajjanar said that if a house is not allotted, the EMD amount will be refunded directly to the beneficiary's bank account as per government rules.

He urged cyber fraud victims to immediately call the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline or file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, noting that prompt reporting improves the chances of freezing stolen funds.

The Indiramma Housing Scheme was launched in the Hyderabad region on July 20 by Ministers Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, D. Sridhar Babu, Ponnam Prabhakar, and Mohammed Azharuddin. The government has sanctioned nearly 700,000 houses in the first two phases and plans to allot another 100,000 houses. Eligible beneficiaries will receive free land, with the government constructing 525-square-foot multi-storey flats under the scheme.