In a shocking revelation, the city of Visakhapatnam has witnessed a staggering 566 per cent increase in cybercrime losses, soaring from Rs 17.3 crore in 2022 to a whopping Rs 115.3 crore in 2024. This alarming spike in financial losses due to cybercrimes has raised serious concerns among the residents of Vizag, as it surpasses the total losses incurred from traditional crimes such as thefts, robberies, and dacoities.
The surge in cybercrimes has left citizens reeling from significant financial setbacks, with a surge in incidents ranging from digital arrest scams to investment frauds and job frauds. The Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner, Shanka Brata Bagchi, expressed deep concern over the unprecedented rise in financial impact in 2024, despite a lower number of reported cases compared to previous years. The city recorded 613 cybercrimes in 2022, 419 in 2023, and 364 cases up to December 22 in 2024, indicating a consistent pattern of cybercriminal activities targeting unsuspecting victims.
The modus operandi of cyber crooks is continuously evolving, with sophisticated tactics used to deceive individuals from all walks of life, including private employees and tech-savvy students. Despite efforts by law enforcement agencies, the cybercriminals managed to siphon off over Rs 31 lakh daily from Vizagites in 2024, highlighting the extent of the financial devastation caused by these digital fraudsters.
The Director-General of Police of Andhra Pradesh, Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, disclosed that the state witnessed a total of 916 cybercrimes in 2024, a significant increase from 682 cases reported in 2023. The staggering amount of Rs 1,229 crore lost to cybercrooks in 2024, with only Rs 225 crore recovered from fraudsters, underscores the need for enhanced vigilance and cybersecurity measures to combat this growing threat.
While the official figures paint a grim picture of the cybercrime landscape in Visakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh, experts believe that the actual number of incidents and losses could be much higher, as many victims may choose not to report cybercrimes for various reasons. Factors such as delays in reporting incidents, challenges in obtaining information from intermediaries, and the involvement of cybercriminals operating across state borders and even abroad contribute to the low recovery rate in cybercrime cases.
To combat the rising tide of cybercrimes, the police have established a dedicated helpline (1930) for cybercrime complaints and are actively freezing illicit gains to prevent cybercrooks from accessing the funds. Despite these measures, the recovery rate in cybercrimes remains below 20 per cent, underscoring the complex and challenging nature of combating digital fraud.
In a bid to apprehend cybercriminals and safeguard the interests of the public, the Vizag city police arrested over 100 cybercrooks in 2024, sending a clear message that perpetrators of cybercrimes will face consequences for their actions. However, the battle against cybercrimes requires collective efforts from law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and the public to enhance cybersecurity awareness and prevent financial losses due to digital fraud.
As the threat of cybercrimes looms large over Visakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh, it is imperative for individuals to remain vigilant and cautious while navigating the digital landscape. By identifying the warning signs of digital arrest scams, such as suspicious calls, pressure tactics, and monetary demands from fake law enforcement agencies, individuals can protect themselves from falling prey to cybercriminals.
In conclusion, the surge in cybercrime losses in Visakhapatnam serves as a wake-up call for heightened cybersecurity measures and increased awareness among the public to thwart the nefarious activities of cybercrooks. By staying informed, vigilant, and proactive, individuals can safeguard their financial assets and personal information from falling into the hands of digital fraudsters.