Hyderabad Police Issue Warning Over Gaming-Linked Cyber Frauds Among Children
Hyderabad police have issued an urgent advisory regarding gaming-linked cyber frauds, noting that children are using family payment data for unauthorized in-game purchases. Officials recommend strict parental controls and monitoring to prevent financial loss and protect minors from online risks.
Highlights
- •Hyderabad police warn of rise in gaming-linked cyber frauds among minors.
- •Children aged 10-17 are often using family payment data for in-game purchases.
- •Grandparents' devices are frequently targeted due to lower levels of monitoring.
- •Parents are urged to implement parental controls and remove saved payment methods.
Authorities in Hyderabad have issued a critical warning regarding a rising trend of gaming-linked cyber frauds affecting children. Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar highlighted that boys between the ages of 10 and 17 are increasingly vulnerable to online gaming addiction, a condition now officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a formal disorder.
The investigation reveals that what initially appears to be standard financial fraud is often traced back to children making unauthorized in-game purchases. These incidents frequently involve the use of sensitive payment information, such as saved credit cards, UPI credentials, and net banking details, which are often stored on the mobile phones of family members. Grandparents' devices are particularly susceptible to being exploited in this manner, as these phones are less likely to be closely monitored for unusual transaction activity.
Addressing Gaming-Linked Cyber Frauds Among Minors
The Hyderabad Police emphasized that devices originally provided to children for academic purposes, such as online classes, are frequently being repurposed for extended, unsupervised gaming sessions. These activities often persist late into the night, allowing children to engage with peers without adult oversight. Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar urged families to be proactive in securing their digital environments by deleting saved payment cards and disabling UPI autofill options on any device that minors might access.
Furthermore, parents are encouraged to implement strict parental controls, require biometric or PIN-based authentication for all financial transactions, and activate real-time alerts for every payment made. Identifying the severity of gaming-linked cyber frauds, experts point out that the associated disorder leads to impaired self-regulation, where gaming is prioritized over essential needs such as sleep, academic responsibilities, and healthy family interactions.
The consequences of such addiction extend beyond financial loss. Commissioner Sajjanar warned that excessive gaming is frequently linked to increased aggression, declining performance in school, eye strain, and social withdrawal. Parents are advised to establish clear screen-time boundaries and remain vigilant for behavioral red flags, including irritability or sleep disturbances. In instances where these signs persist, seeking professional counseling is strongly recommended.
While the focus is on mitigating risk, authorities clarified that this alert is not a blanket condemnation of gaming itself. Instead, the objective is to protect young users from the dangers of unmonitored digital access, which can lead to severe financial consequences or potential exposure to online grooming and abuse. By taking these essential security measures, families can help ensure a safer digital experience for children.
