Mumbaikars have suffered losses amounting to a colossal Rs 1,127 crore due to cybercrimes over a 15-month period between January 2024 and March 2025. With nearly 85% of these losses stemming from cyber-cheating, experts are calling for urgent reforms to protect citizens from the rising tide of digital fraud.
The Mumbai Police data paints a grim picture of the growing menace of cybercrimes, where nearly Rs 964 crore was siphoned off in scams ranging from fraudulent share trading to cryptocurrency schemes. Along with these, a significant portion of losses occurred due to sextortion scams (Rs 47 crore) and credit card frauds (Rs 34 crore). Such alarming figures underscore the urgent need for better accountability and stronger preventive measures.
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One of the most disturbing trends has been the rise in digital arrest scams. In one highly publicised incident, an elderly woman from South Mumbai lost Rs 20 crore in a scam involving a fake money laundering charge, where she was allegedly held hostage in her own home for two months. This follows a similar high-profile scam involving a pilot who was duped of Rs 3 crore through a malicious trading app. Experts warn that the true scale of the damage could be far higher, as many victims, fearful of social stigma, do not report their losses. The first quarter of 2025 alone saw a dramatic surge in digital arrest scams, which caused losses of Rs 73 crore. At the same time, investment scams in the same period drained Rs 118 crore from unsuspecting victims. Cybercrime legal experts argue that many victims remain silent, unable to come forward due to the fear of being socially ostracised. Additionally, when they do report the crime, the complaint may not even be registered as a First Information Report (FIR), further complicating the recovery process.
Financial cybercrimes are not only a personal tragedy for those affected but also a significant blow to the country’s economy. The stolen funds, often converted into cryptocurrencies, find their way to masterminds operating from overseas, leaving law enforcement struggling to track down the perpetrators. A key concern among experts is the lack of a robust accountability framework for banks and financial institutions. While there have been many cybersecurity campaigns promoting awareness, the absence of strict penalties for non-compliance with regulatory guidelines remains a major vulnerability. Experts argue that regulatory bodies, particularly the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), need to take stronger action. “Banks continue to operate mule accounts that facilitate cyber fraud, and suspicious transactions often go unnoticed or unaddressed. It is essential to introduce penalties for non-compliance to ensure that banks adhere to stricter monitoring systems,” said a cybercrime investigator.
Despite these challenges, there is hope that further legal reforms can help mitigate these rising cyber threats. Experts have advocated for a Digital India Insurance scheme that would offer financial coverage for cybercrime victims, ensuring they are not left to fend for themselves in the wake of financial ruin. They also stress the need for the establishment of cyber trauma centres to provide immediate psychological support to victims, who often face severe mental distress after losing their life savings. While government efforts to educate the public on cyber threats continue, police authorities advise citizens to exercise extreme caution. “Any promise of high returns on investment should raise a red flag. If you suspect fraud, immediately contact the helpline ‘1930’ to lodge a complaint,” a police official warned.
The ever-increasing scale of cyber fraud in Mumbai highlights the urgency for immediate reforms. As technology advances, so too must the city’s safeguards, ensuring that its residents are shielded from the growing threat of digital crime.
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Mumbai Residents Lose Rs 1127 Crore to Cyber Fraud
