In 2024, Mumbai has witnessed a significant surge in cyber fraud cases, surpassing Rs 1,000 crore, with a recorded total loss of Rs 1,084.75 crore until the first week of November. This marks a staggering 281% increase compared to the Rs 262 crore reported in 2023. The Mumbai Cyber Cell has managed to recover only Rs 129 crore (around 12% of the reported fraud), despite the establishment of the 1930 helpline, which has helped mitigate fraud during the critical “golden hours” (the two hours immediately after a fraud is reported).
Cyber fraud in Mumbai is escalating rapidly, with over Rs 1,379 crore in reported frauds between May 2022 and November 2024. The Cyber Cell has registered over 72,500 complaints and filed more than 2,200 FIRs in this period. One of the significant challenges in recovering stolen funds is the complexity of fraudsters’ operations, with funds often being transferred through multiple layers or converted into digital currencies like Bitcoin.
Types of Cyber Frauds
Mumbai’s Cyber Cell has identified over 12 types of prevalent cyber frauds, including:
- Investment Fraud: Scammers lure victims with online trading courses, seminars, and fake investment opportunities via social media platforms.
- Job Scams: Fraudsters promise fake job offers and charge for placement services.
- Digital Arrest Fraud: Cybercriminals pose as law enforcement, threatening fake arrests unless victims pay money.
- Loan and Cryptocurrency Fraud: Fraudsters offer fake loans and investment schemes.
- Phishing and Social Media Scams: Fraudsters use fake accounts to steal personal information or extort money.
Investment Fraud is particularly common, with scammers posing as representatives of Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and offering fake stock market opportunities. Fraudulent applications are promoted to victims, claiming they can make investments or trade shares without an official Demat account.
Digital Arrest Fraud involves cybercriminals impersonating police officers, accusing victims of serious crimes, and coercing them into paying to avoid arrest. This scam often uses fake evidence and intimidation tactics to force compliance.
Efforts to Combat Cybercrime
Mumbai’s police force is actively addressing this issue by training officers in cybercrime prevention and investigation. Over the past two and a half years, Mumbai police have conducted 310 training sessions with 8,000 officers. They also coordinate with banks, social media platforms, and internet service providers to prevent fraud and block fraudulent activities. In the last 3.5 years, over 30,000 cybercriminal phone numbers have been blocked.
Awareness Programs
To further combat cybercrime, the Cyber Cell runs various awareness programs, including school and college campaigns, street plays, and drawing competitions. Over 500 hoardings and 114 street plays have been organized, with more than 300,000 students reached through these programs.
Safety Tips
To protect themselves from cyber fraud, Mumbai’s Cyber Cell offers the following advice:
- Do:
- Keep social media profiles private.
- Use strong and unique passwords for each account.
- Set purchase limits on credit/debit cards.
- Report cybercrime immediately via the 1930 helpline or visit local police stations.
- Don’t:
- Accept unknown calls or messages.
- Click on unknown links or QR codes.
- Accept friend requests from strangers.
- Share personal details on social media.
Reporting Cyber Fraud
Citizens are advised to report cyber fraud to the 1930 helpline with the following details:
- Mobile number of the complainant.
- Bank/wallet/merchant details from which the amount was debited.
- Account number/UPI ID from which the amount was debited.
- Transaction ID (12-digit UTR number).
- Date of the transaction.
- Debit/Credit card number if card credentials were used.
- Screenshots or any images related to the fraud.
By increasing awareness and making reporting easy, the Cyber Cell is working to reduce cybercrime in Mumbai, though significant challenges remain in preventing the sophisticated techniques used by fraudsters.
