Tiruchy: The rural areas of Tiruchy are witnessing a concerning rise in cybercrime, with both the number of cases and financial losses on the rise, according to cybercrime police sources. In 2024, a total of 2,200 cases were reported in the rural district, resulting in financial losses amounting to Rs 12 crore.
The situation seems to be escalating, as the first two months of 2025 have already seen 500 cases and losses of Rs 5 crore. This represents a 22% increase in case volume and a 41% rise in financial losses compared to the previous year. It is evident that rural areas have become a significant hotspot for cyber fraud, with a consistent year-on-year increase in cases and monetary damage.
Looking back at the data, in 2021 there were around 800 cases resulting in Rs 3.5 crore in losses across the district. By 2022, the number of cases rose to about 1,000 with Rs 10.8 crore in losses. The figures surged to approximately 1,400 cases in 2023, resulting in Rs 10.5 crore in losses. This trend continued to escalate, with about 2,200 cases and Rs 12 crore in damages reported in 2024.
The statistics reveal that rural cybercrime cases have nearly tripled in three years, while financial losses have quadrupled. Despite improvements in the recovery of stolen money over time – from Rs 10 lakh in 2021 to Rs 2 crore in 2024 and Rs 60 lakh in the first two months of 2025 – officials stress the importance of prevention and awareness as the best defenses against cybercrime.
The majority of online crimes in rural Tiruchy involve part-time job scams, bank manager fraud calls, customer card fraud, fake shopping sites, personal loan- and loan app-fraud. According to a senior official from the Tiruchy rural cybercrime unit, the fraudsters behind these scams have become more sophisticated in their methods, using fake websites and phishing tactics to deceive victims. They often send links randomly and post fake job offers, enticing victims with promises of high-paying work-from-home opportunities. Once the victim falls for the scam and either pays an advance or shares personal information, the fraudster disappears, leaving the victim empty-handed.
The rising trend of cybercrime in rural Tiruchy highlights the need for increased vigilance and awareness among residents. Authorities are urging the public to be cautious while engaging in online transactions, to verify the authenticity of job offers and websites, and to refrain from sharing personal or financial information with unknown sources. By taking proactive measures and staying informed about the latest cyber threats, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to online scams and fraud.