Cyber crime up by 18 per cent in Telangana, citizens lose Rs. 1,866 cr to cyber fraudster in 2024

The most common cyber frauds reported in 2024 included business investment/stock frauds, part time jobs, digital arrest, fake customer care and debit and credit card frauds

Hyderabad: The people of Telangana State suffered losses amounting Rs. 1,866 crore due to cyber frauds in 2024. This translates to an average daily loss of nearly Rs. 5 crore.

The most common cyber frauds reported in 2024 included business investment/stock frauds, part time jobs, digital arrest, fake customer care and debit and credit card frauds. The highest complaints related to cyber crime were from Cyberabad followed by Hyderabad and Rachakonda.

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Shikha Goel, Director, Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) said 1,14,174 complaints of cyber frauds were reported at National Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP 1930) facility from Telangana State during this year as compared to 91,652 complaints the previous year.

“Cybercrime is up by 18 per cent compared to last year. It is because of the adept usage of internet by the people and new modus operandis adopted by the fraudsters to cheat people,” said Shikha Goel.

The official said due to proactive measures an amount of Rs. 244 crores was withheld and after proper procedures refund of Rs. 174 crore was facilitated by the bureau to the victims.

During the year, across the State 24,643 cases pertaining to different cybercrimes were registered and investigation followed up. Shikha Goel, said the TGCSB is maintaining a zero tolerance against cyber criminals. A total of 1057 cyber criminals involved in 19,653 cases in Telangana and altogether 1, 16,421 cases in the country were arrested by the police.

To curb the misuse of SIM cards and mobile phones, the TGCSB blocked 14,984 SIM cards and 9,811 IMEIs. “If IMEI is blocked the entire gadget becomes useless and cannot be used for commit cybercrimes. It is a way ahead and more result oriented than blocking SIM cards,” said the official.