Hyderabad police rescue three minor girls lured by cybercriminals on Free Fire app

Hyderabad police have issued a public warning to parents and minor girls after exposing a "Rich Kids Trap" run by cybercriminals on the online gaming app Free Fire. The warning follows the rescue of three minor girls from Hyderabad who were intercepted by police just before boarding a train to Kolkata after being lured by strangers on the app.

According to the police, cybercriminals are using a feature in the Free Fire app that allows players to speak to each other to target children from wealthy families. Recently, a case was busted involving two brothers from Andhra Pradesh who deceived several young girls using the app. However, the parents of those victims did not lodge formal complaints due to concerns over family honor.

In another incident, a minor girl from Telangana went missing for a week after being taken by an unidentified individual she met online. Although she returned home, inconsistencies in her statements have hindered the police in identifying the suspect.

Additionally, police highlighted a case in Secunderabad where a 15-year-old girl was blackmailed. The girl had befriended a boy on Instagram who claimed to be in trouble. She took Rs 1 lakh from the almirah in her house to help him. The youth then spent time with her, took photographs, and blackmailed her for jewellery, even demanding she spend time with his friend, prompting her to report the matter to her parents.

The police explained that criminals target regular users of gaming and social media apps like Free Fire, Instagram, and Snapchat. They gain information about the victims' financial status and hobbies, build trust, and eventually convince them to leave their houses by using fake profiles and photos.

To prevent such incidents, the police have advised parents to monitor their children's online activities, use parental controls, and watch for behavioral changes. Cops also urged parents not to allow children to use mobile phones at night and advised children to report any suspicious online messages or threats immediately.