Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has warned citizens to remain alert against cybercriminals exploiting fear through fake child kidnapping calls. The Commissioner said fraudsters are posing as police officers and using emotional manipulation to extract money from unsuspecting parents.

Sajjanar shared that in many cases, callers pretend a child has been kidnapped, mention the child's name, or play fabricated audio clips of them crying to create panic. "If someone calls claiming your child has been kidnapped, mentions their name, or plays the sound of them crying, don't panic or lose control. Fear and anxiety are turning into tools for these criminals," he stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The top cop advised parents to report such calls directly to the police. "Contact your local police station, call 1930, or file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in," he said. Sajjanar also uploaded an audio recording of a fraudster impersonating an officer to show how such scams work. He emphasized that awareness and quick reporting are vital to stopping these cybercrimes.

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Meanwhile, in a separate case, Hyderabad Cybercrime Police registered a complaint under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against two YouTube channels for producing obscene content featuring minors. Sajjanar stressed that social media freedom comes with accountability. "Freedom on social media doesn't mean one can post anything. The police department will take strict action against those responsible as per law," he asserted.

Condemning the exploitation of children for online fame, Sajjanar remarked, "When values fade in the illusion of views, what are we becoming? How justifiable is it to risk children merely for likes and followers?" He urged creators to inspire youth by highlighting positive content and role models instead of making indecent videos. "Don't divert young minds with indecent content. Protect them from online harm, awareness begins at home," he concluded.