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Kozhikode police recorded 2,297 cyber fraud complaints by October 2026, as faster intervention encouraged victims to report cases.
How Have Cyber Fraud Complaints Increased?
Cyber fraud complaints in Kozhikode city have risen steadily over the past three years, with police attributing the increase partly to greater public awareness and improved reporting mechanisms. Official records show that 1,799 complaints were received in 2024, resulting in 128 FIRs. The number increased to 2,142 complaints in 2025, although FIR registrations declined to 60.
During the first ten months of 2026, police received 2,297 complaints and registered 78 FIRs. The figures indicate that the city is now recording more than seven cyber fraud complaints daily. Officers believe awareness campaigns and greater confidence in police intervention have encouraged more victims to seek assistance.
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How Are Police Recovering Fraudulent Transactions?
Police officials said advanced cyber investigation technologies and improved coordination with banks have strengthened efforts to trace fraudulent transactions. Mechanisms such as the Money Restoration Module and Cyber Fraud Grievance Redressal Module help investigators identify suspicious transfers and initiate action to prevent further movement of stolen funds.
A senior Cyber Cell officer said money successfully frozen through these mechanisms could potentially be returned to victims within three to four days. Dedicated help desks have also been established at police stations to assist complainants. Officers emphasised that reporting fraud immediately improves the chances of freezing funds before criminals withdraw or transfer them.
Which Cyber Frauds Are Most Common?
According to police estimates, women account for approximately 70% of victims in cyber-enabled financial fraud complaints in Kozhikode. Fake online clothing and jewellery sales, deceptive marketing offers and fraudulent investment schemes are among the methods frequently used to target them.
Other commonly reported offences include UPI payment fraud, OTP scams, credit and ATM card fraud, internet banking fraud, QR code scams, digital arrest schemes, online trading fraud and fraudulent loan applications. Police records also show that 93 people were arrested in connection with cyber fraud in 2024, followed by 64 in 2025 and 42 until October 2026.
Why Is Early Reporting Important?
Investigators said cybercriminals continue to develop new methods, requiring police to adapt their investigative techniques. Faster reporting allows authorities to trace financial transactions, coordinate with banks and identify accounts receiving suspected fraudulent payments before the money disappears.
Police maintained that the growing number of complaints also reflects changing public attitudes towards cybercrime. Greater awareness of recovery procedures has encouraged victims to approach authorities rather than remain silent. Officers stressed that timely complaints remain essential for effective investigations, freezing suspicious accounts and improving the possibility of recovering money lost through online fraud.
