Cyber Crime Surge in Telangana: Rs. 1,866 Crore Lost to Fraudsters
Cyber crime has risen sharply in Telangana, with citizens losing a staggering Rs. 1,866 crore. This alarming increase in cyber fraud, amounting to an average daily loss of nearly Rs. 5 crore, has left many vulnerable to new methods of digital scams.
Key Cyber Frauds in Telangana
The most common types of cyber fraud reported this year include:
- Business investment and stock frauds
- Part-time job scams
- Digital arrest frauds
- Fake customer care scams
- Debit and credit card frauds
The highest number of complaints came from Cyberabad, followed by Hyderabad and Rachakonda.
Rise in Cyber Crime Complaints
According to Shikha Goel, Director of the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), the state saw a significant increase in cyber crime complaints, with 1,14,174 complaints filed. This marks an 18% rise from the previous year’s 91,652 complaints.
Efforts to Combat Cyber Crime
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has taken proactive measures to reduce the impact of cyber fraud. They successfully withheld Rs. 244 crore and facilitated refunds of Rs. 174 crore for victims.
24,643 cybercrime cases were registered and investigated across the state. 1057 cyber criminals were arrested for involvement in 19,653 cases in Telangana, contributing to a total of 116,421 cases nationwide.
To curb misuse, the TGCSB also took action against fraudsters by blocking 14,984 SIM cards and 9,811 IMEI numbers. Blocking the IMEI number renders the device useless, proving to be a more effective strategy than blocking SIM cards alone.
Conclusion
The growing incidence of cyber crime in Telangana highlights the need for stronger cybersecurity measures. The state continues its fight against cyber fraudsters with a zero-tolerance approach and proactive measures to protect its citizens.
