In Madurai city, the cyber crime police have made significant strides in recovering lost funds from victims of cyber crimes. Over the last four years, a total of Rs3.25 crore has been recovered, with Rs22.5 crore frozen in bank accounts associated with cyber crimes. The police have managed to return the recovered amount to the rightful owners through legal proceedings.
Various types of cyber crimes have been reported in Madurai, including investment fraud, part-time job scams, digital arrest fraud, loan application fraud, and bank KYC update fraud. Among these, investment fraud seems to be the most prevalent, with cyber criminals targeting regular share market investors. These criminals create fraudulent applications resembling legitimate share market platforms and lure unsuspecting individuals with promises of quick profits. Through phishing techniques, they deceive victims into investing money, only to disappear with the funds later on.
Another common tactic used by cyber criminals is to entice people with promises of earning money from home. They initiate the scheme by providing small profits to gain the trust of the victims, who then invest larger amounts before being defrauded. Bank KYC update frauds, on the other hand, typically target senior citizens by leveraging their fears to obtain personal information or One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
In some cases, cyber criminals impersonate law enforcement officials such as police, CBI, or customs officers to instill fear in their victims. They falsely claim that the individuals are under digital arrest due to their Aadhaar numbers or sim cards being used in illegal activities, and proceed to extort money from them. Despite these deceptive practices, the Madurai city cyber crime police have been vigilant in apprehending suspects, with around 30 accused arrested last year alone.
Tracking down cyber criminals can be a challenging task, as they often utilize Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to conceal their locations. However, the police adopt a strategic approach by focusing on the bank accounts involved in the fraudulent transactions, freezing them, and tracing the flow of money. To raise awareness about cyber crimes and prevention methods, the police have prominently displayed the cyber crime helpline number 1930 and website at 23 public locations in Madurai. Additionally, QR codes linking to informational videos have been installed, and awareness campaigns are conducted in schools and colleges.
As the prevalence of cyber crimes continues to rise, it is crucial for the public to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures to safeguard their finances. By educating oneself about common cyber crime tactics and staying informed about security measures, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to online scams. The efforts of the Madurai city cyber crime police serve as a reminder of the importance of collaborative efforts in combating cyber threats and ensuring a safer digital environment for all.