Rs 452 crore stolen from Delhiites by scammers, cyber scams rise by 158%, says Delhi Police

Cybercrime is rising rapidly in Delhi, with new data showing a 158% increase in cyber scams this year compared to 2023. Delhi Police report that online fraudsters have stolen an enormous Rs 452 crore from people¡¯s accounts by June 2024, a big jump from Rs 175 crore during the same time last year.

Clever Tricks Behind the Rise in Cyber Scams

Cybercriminals are using smart methods to avoid being caught and to hide stolen money. One common trick is moving the stolen money into several digital wallets. By spreading the money quickly, they stop the police from blocking the first account used in the scam.

How Criminals Hide the Stolen Money

To make it even harder to trace the money, scammers withdraw it from many ATMs across the country. They also use bank accounts belonging to people who are poor or have little knowledge about banking. By giving these people small amounts of money, the scammers get access to their accounts and use them to hide the stolen money.

A police officer explained, ¡°Even when the police follow the money trail to the account holder, it is very hard to find the real mastermind behind the scam. Often, the person whose account was used is the one who gets arrested¡±, reported in ET.

Sending Money Abroad with Cryptocurrency and Gift Cards

To send stolen money overseas, scammers often change it into cryptocurrency or use it to buy gift cards. This helps them avoid normal banking systems, making it even tougher for the police to track or recover the money.

Scammers Target Villages and Illiterate People

A senior officer said scammers often cheat villagers in faraway areas, especially those who cannot read or write. Pretending to offer benefits under government schemes, they ask villagers to open bank accounts. Once the accounts are opened, the scammers give the villagers small amounts of money in exchange for the account details. These details are then sold to other scammers, both in India and abroad.

¡°These fake accounts are a big part of the scam, making it easier for criminals to move and hide money without raising suspicion,¡± the officer added.

Cybercrime Cases Increasing Quickly

Cybercrime complaints in Delhi have gone up significantly, with 11% more cases reported this year than last year. By June 2024, the National Cyber Complaint Portal had recorded 61,525 complaints, compared to 55,267 during the same period in 2023. This rise shows how widespread cybercrime has become.

Common Types of Cyber Scams

Cybercrime cases include many different types of online fraud, such as:

- Online extortion

- Investment scams

- Cryptocurrency fraud

- Cyberterrorism

- Hacking

- Phishing

- Identity theft

Police say criminals are becoming smarter, using advanced technology and creative ways to cheat people and find weaknesses in digital systems.

How to Fight Back Against Cyber Scams

Delhi Police advise people who are victims of cyber scams to act quickly to reduce their losses. If you are scammed, you should:

- Call the cyber helpline number 1930 straight away.

- Report the fraud on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.

- Visit your local cyber police station.

¡°Reporting the fraud quickly on helpline 1930 can help freeze the stolen money in time, giving victims a chance to get their money back,¡± a police officer said.

Tips to Stay Safe from Cyber Scams

As cybercrime grows, it is important to be careful online. Here are some tips to help protect yourself:

- Do not share personal information like bank details or OTPs with anyone.

- Be careful when clicking on unknown links or downloading attachments.

- Check your bank statements regularly for unusual transactions.

- Use two-factor authentication on your digital accounts.

The sharp rise in cyber scams in Delhi is a serious concern, with people losing large amounts of money to increasingly smart criminals. By staying alert and acting fast, both individuals and the police can help fight against these scams. Remember, quick action and being cautious online are the best ways to protect yourself from cybercrime.

(With inputs from TOI)

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