Hyderabad police caution goat, sheep traders against digital payment scams ahead of Id al-Adha - The HinduPublished - May 26, 2026 07:56 pm IST - HYDERABADVendors with their goats at a livestock market in Tolichowki ahead of Bakrid in Hyderabad on Sunday. | Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKURHyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar on Tuesday issued an advisory warning goat and sheep traders in Hyderabad against fraudsters using fake digital payment apps ahead of Id al-Adha.With livestock markets across the city witnessing heavy crowds in the run-up to the festival, police said cyber fraudsters are exploiting the rush by posing as buyers and showing fake payment confirmations through counterfeit mobile applications resembling popular digital payment platforms.The official said scammers are displaying fabricated “payment successful” screens on fake apps to convince traders that money has been transferred while no actual amount is credited to the seller’s bank account.Two such incidents were recently reported within the limits of Kanchanbagh and Rajendranagar police stations.In the Kanchanbagh case, six unidentified persons arrived on three motorcycles, negotiated with a livestock trader and showed a fake payment confirmation for ₹68,000 before taking away the animals. In another incident reported in Rajendranagar, four persons cheated a trader by using a fake payment app while purchasing goats worth ₹48,000.The victims later discovered that no money had been credited to their accounts and subsequently approached the police.Police have advised traders not to rely solely on screenshots or payment messages displayed on a buyer’s mobile phone and urged them to verify payments through official bank SMS alerts or by checking their bank account balance directly before handing over livestock.The advisory further recommended accepting large payments in cash wherever possible during the festival season. Police also appealed to traders to dial 100 or alert nearby officers upon encountering suspicious behaviour or suspected fraud attempts.Published - May 26, 2026 07:56 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }