Andhra Pradesh’s cybercrime victims are finding little relief in terms of refunds, as the state has only managed to recover a mere 0.48% of the total Rs 974.12 crore lost to cyber fraud in 2024. Despite efforts by the cybercrime police stations in all 26 districts of the state, only Rs 4.75 crore has been successfully refunded to victims.
According to the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (APCID), the state’s cybercrime helpline 1930 and the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) received a staggering 7.6 lakh distress calls in 2024, but only 56,444 of them were converted into formal complaints. Following preliminary investigations, the CID registered 1,266 cases related to cyber fraud.
CID DG Ravishankar Ayyanar revealed that out of the total amount lost to cyber fraudsters, Rs 122.94 crore has been frozen in the perpetrators’ bank accounts. The frozen funds will be returned to the victims once the cases are concluded and the necessary court permissions are obtained. However, the actual amount refunded so far remains dishearteningly low.
Visakhapatnam’s cybercrime police station topped the list with 253 registered cases, indicating the widespread nature of cyber fraud in Andhra Pradesh. The CID DG highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in recovering stolen funds, particularly due to the rapid transfer of money by fraudsters utilizing sophisticated technology and intricate networks.
The CID’s struggle to refund victims highlights the need for enhanced cybercrime prevention measures and greater cooperation between law enforcement agencies and financial institutions. The rise in cyber fraud incidents calls for increased awareness among the public regarding online safety practices and prompt reporting of suspicious activities.
Efforts must also be made to strengthen the capabilities of cybercrime units in investigating and combating digital offenses, as well as improving coordination at the state and national levels to address the growing threat of cyber fraud. Ultimately, the protection of individuals and businesses from financial loss due to cybercrime requires a comprehensive and proactive approach from all stakeholders involved.