Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar warned citizens to remain vigilant against romance scams, warning that fraudsters are increasingly targeting people through dating apps and social media platforms.
In his post on X, the commissioner said that while Valentine’s Day is supposed to celebrate love, fraudsters often use emotions to trick unsuspecting individuals. He warned that while people can search for a company online, fraudsters can track their bank balances.
Sajjanar highlighted common warning signs, noting that scammers often move “too quickly and too dramatically”, profess their love in a short amount of time, tell stories about jobs abroad, claim sudden emergencies or try to isolate victims from friends and family. Such tactics, he says, are designed to quickly build trust before making financial demands.
He also advised the public to never send money, cryptocurrency, gift cards or personal information to someone they haven’t met in person. “Not for a visa, not for a medical emergency, and not for a ‘surprise gift’ stuck at customs,” the alert said.
The commissioner urged citizens to consult a trusted friend or family member if they are unsure about an online relationship or financial request. He emphasized caution, noting that love can wait, but scammers can’t.
Published – 12 Feb 2026 20:43 IST