Cybercrime Surge in 2024

In the first four months of 2024, over 740,000 cybercrime complaints have been registered across India. Scammers have looted approximately Rs 1,800 crores through investment scams, extortion, digital arrests, and other online frauds between January and April. These are official figures from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Rise of Cybercrime

Cybercrime is becoming an enormous issue, and tomorrow, it could happen to anyone, even you or me. According to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, in May 2024 alone, around 7,000 complaints were filed every day—an alarming 113% increase compared to 2021-2023. The primary motive is financial, with 85% of cases involving some form of online financial fraud. In fact, financial fraud has skyrocketed by 1,000% in the last five years.

Once you fall victim to an online scam, recovering your money is extremely challenging. In less than 10% of cases, the police can successfully retrieve stolen funds. Many victims don’t even report these frauds out of shame or fear. Unfortunately, many of these incidents result from carelessness, like trusting unsolicited messages or investing in schemes that promise to double your money overnight.

The Digital Arrest Scam

One of the most dangerous scams today is the “digital arrest.” Fraudsters use video calls pretending to be law enforcement agencies, locking victims in a fake interrogation. They fabricate false accusations—such as a parcel with drugs or a phone number linked to illegal activities. Victims are held “digitally arrested,” unable to seek help, and are forced to pay hefty sums to protect their reputations.

For instance, 82-year-old businessman SP Oswal of Vardhman Group lost Rs 7 crores in a digital arrest scam involving fake court documents and a phony virtual courtroom. Other high-profile victims include scientists, doctors, and even retired government officials, showing that no one is immune.

Common Scams to Be Aware Of

1. UPI Scams: Digital India and UPI have made life easier for everyone—including scammers. Around 1 lakh UPI-based frauds were reported in 2022-2023. Always double-check QR codes before scanning them to avoid unauthorized transactions.

2. Sextortion: Scammers video call unsuspecting victims, record indecent activities, and later blackmail them with fake police complaints of obscenity.

3. Telegram Fraud: Scammers offer easy money through WhatsApp job offers, leading to Telegram groups where victims perform simple tasks for small payments. Eventually, they’re asked to pay for business growth and lose large sums.

4. AI Voice Scams: Using AI, criminals clone voices of family members in distress, fooling people into paying large amounts to “help” their loved ones in fake emergencies.

5. Link-Based Cheating: Tempting WhatsApp messages with free prizes trick people into giving away personal information or bank details. No prize arrives, but your money disappears.

6. OTP Scams: Fraudsters pose as bank representatives or government officials to steal OTPs, gaining access to bank accounts and digital wallets.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

The government is taking steps to combat cybercrime, but more needs to be done. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center has launched an online suspect registry, containing the data of 12 lakh cybercriminals. Meanwhile, the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) has improved cybercrime reporting and resolution. Citizens are also encouraged to report incidents on www.cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930, the National Cyber Crime Helpline.

However, the best way to prevent these scams is to stay alert. Here’s what you can do:

• Never share personal details, OTPs, or passwords with anyone over the phone.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or accepting random video calls.
• Install antivirus software and regularly monitor your bank transactions.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts and set up SMS alerts for every transaction.

Remember, if you’ve fallen victim to a scam, don’t stay silent. Reporting the crime may prevent others from becoming the next target. Stay vigilant and keep your loved ones informed to protect them from the growing threat of cybercrime.