Visakhapatnam witnessed a staggering increase in cybercrimes, with the amount lost by its residents skyrocketing by 566 per cent from Rs 17.3 crore in 2022 to Rs 115.3 crore in 2024. This surge translates to an average of Rs 31 lakh lost per day, marking a concerning trend in the city’s cybersecurity landscape.
To provide perspective on the impact of these cybercrimes, the total sum stolen by online fraudsters in Vizag is more than ten times the combined losses incurred due to traditional crimes like thefts, robberies, snatching, and dacoity. This disparity underscores the growing threat posed by cybercriminals and the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
In the first ten months of 2024, many individuals fell victim to digital arrest, investment fraud, and task job scams, resulting in substantial financial losses. Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Shanka Brata Bagchi highlighted that while the number of reported cybercrime cases in 2024 was lower compared to previous years, the financial ramifications were significant.
The data provided by the police commissioner revealed a decrease in the number of cybercrimes, with 613 cases in 2022, 419 in 2023, and 364 (up to December 22) in 2024. Despite the decline in reported incidents, the amount siphoned off by cyber crooks surged from Rs 17.3 crore in 2022 to Rs 33.46 crore in 2023, eventually reaching Rs 115.3 crore in 2024. Additionally, a total of Rs 26 crore was frozen, and over Rs 4 crore was returned to the victims over the past three years.
Cybercrime inspectors K Bhavani Prasad and BMD Prasad raised concerns about the vulnerability of tech-savvy students and private employees who are increasingly falling prey to these online scams. This demographic shift underscores the need for targeted awareness campaigns and educational programs to empower individuals to safeguard themselves against cyber threats.
DGP Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao highlighted the broader statewide implications of cybercrimes, reporting a total of 916 cases in Andhra Pradesh in 2024 compared to 682 in 2023. The financial toll of cybercrimes has also skyrocketed, with a total loss of Rs 1,229 crore, of which Rs 225 crore was successfully recovered. The statistics underscore the scale of the challenge posed by cybercriminals and the need for coordinated efforts to combat this growing menace.
Sources within the police department raised concerns about the underreporting of cybercrimes, noting that the actual number of incidents and financial losses could be higher. Factors such as delays in reporting, challenges in obtaining information from intermediaries and service providers, and the involvement of perpetrators from different regions, including overseas, contribute to the complexities of addressing cybercrimes effectively.
In conclusion, the surge in cybercrimes and the substantial financial losses incurred by individuals in Visakhapatnam and across Andhra Pradesh underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to enhance cybersecurity and protect the public from the evolving tactics of cybercriminals. Collaboration between law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and technology experts is essential to mitigate the risks associated with cybercrimes and safeguard the digital ecosystem for all citizens.