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Hyderabad: A 20-year-old resident of Yakutpura, Hyderabad, lost Rs 1,02,093 to a honeytrap and extortion fraud operated through Telegram, after being lured by a profile offering paid sexual services.

The scammer allegedly used stolen photographs, fabricated feedback and manipulated chat screenshots to convince the victim that the service was genuine.

Police said the victim was asked to make a series of payments on various pretexts, including advance booking, service security, room reservation charges and refundable service fees.

Trusting these claims, he transferred a total of Rs 1,02,093 through UPI and bank transfers to multiple accounts, believing the transaction was part of a legitimate arrangement.

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After the transfers, the victim was instructed to reach a hotel in Abids, but no one turned up at the location. The fraudster then allegedly began issuing threats and demanding an additional Rs 10,000, turning the case into an extortion attempt and leaving the victim with no option but to approach the police.

Following a complaint, a case was registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station, and an investigation is underway.

The police have cautioned the public against trusting unknown Telegram or WhatsApp profiles offering paid companionship, noting that such fraudsters routinely use stolen images, fake reviews and edited screenshots to appear genuine, and often demand repeated payments in the name of booking fees, security deposits or manager charges.

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