Bengaluru: Rs 141.94 Cr siphoned off by cyber thieves in 18 Months

Cyber fraudsters have siphoned off a staggering Rs 141.94 crores from Bengaluru residents in just 18 months, raising alarm over the city’s vulnerability to online scams. On average, 15 Bengalureans fall victim to cybercriminals every day, resulting in substantial financial losses. Victims who report the crimes to the cybercrime station often express despair regarding the retrieval of their money.

In 2022, a total of Rs 76.94 crores was lost to cyber fraud in Bengaluru. Over the last six months in 2023, an additional Rs 65 crores has been pilfered by cyber thieves. Despite filing FIRs, the police response has been limited, leaving many victims feeling unheard. The disconcerting statistics reveal that since 2017, Bengaluru has witnessed 50,027 cyber fraud cases, with only 26 convictions to date.

The surge in part-time job fraud is a significant concern. Cybercriminals exploit unsuspecting individuals by adding them to Telegram groups after they respond to fraudulent job messages. Victims are lured into online trading schemes, where they believe they can double their money through tasks by depositing a certain amount. While some commission money is initially credited to their accounts, the cyber thieves then manipulate victims into depositing more funds, leaving them with substantial losses.

B. Dayanand, Bangalore Police Commissioner said, “To combat cybercrime in Bengaluru, citizens are urged to promptly report incidents to their local police station. Calling 1930 within an hour of being defrauded can lead to the freezing of the perpetrator’s assets. Public awareness campaigns are essential to combat the doubling-money task scams. “