One of India’s fastest-growing urban centres, Indore, witnessed a sharp escalation in cybercrime during 2025. According to official police data, cyber fraudsters cheated 8,126 victims of more than ₹100 crore over the year. While swift action and improved technical investigation helped authorities recover around 17% of the defrauded amount, an improvement over the previous year, the overall scale of cybercrime continues to pose a serious challenge for both administration and society.
The annual crime data released by the police revealed that “digital arrest scams” accounted for the majority of cases. In these scams, fraudsters impersonate officials from central agencies such as the CBI, ED or cybercrime units, primarily targeting elderly citizens. Victims are threatened with claims that their bank accounts are linked to money laundering, drug trafficking or other illegal activities, and are coerced into transferring large sums immediately in the name of “investigation cooperation”.
A psychological trap of fear and confusion
According to the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF), digital arrest scams are not merely technical frauds but represent serious psychological crimes. The foundation’s analysis highlights that fraudsters deliberately exploit panic, social fear and lack of legal awareness among victims. Senior citizens, often less familiar with digital procedures and cyber laws, remain the most vulnerable group.
FCRF further notes that with the rapid expansion of digital payments and online banking in India, cybercrime has evolved into an organised industry. Call centres, mule bank accounts, fake SIM cards and inter-state networks operate in coordination, making detection and disruption increasingly complex.
Warning from former IPS officer Triveni Singh
Former IPS officer and renowned cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh cautions that digital arrest scams weaponise fear of law enforcement.
“No investigation agency arrests anyone over a phone or video call. These scams thrive on lack of legal literacy and instant fear responses. Unless digital and legal awareness improves at the grassroots level, such crimes will continue to grow,” he said.
He also stressed that focusing only on monetary recovery is insufficient. Breaking money trails, mule account networks and fake digital identities is essential to strike at the roots of organised cybercrime.
Police action and key statistics
According to police data, 72 major cybercrime cases were registered in Indore in 2025, leading to the arrest of 112 accused. Prompt action resulted in ₹17.24 crore being refunded to victims. In addition, authorities reported:
- Over 2,000 fake social media accounts blocked
- 1,200 hacked accounts recovered
- 25,124 suspicious bank accounts frozen through the NCRP
- 52 IMEI numbers and 91 mobile numbers blocked
- 2,107 lost or stolen mobile phones traced and returned
The road ahead
Police officials say that cybercrime cells will be further strengthened, technical training enhanced and public awareness campaigns intensified in the coming months. Meanwhile, experts from FCRF and Prof. Triveni Singh underline that the fight against cybercrime is a shared responsibility of police, banks, technology platforms and citizens.
Indore’s experience sends a clear message: in a rapidly digitising India, security cannot rely on technology alone—it must be reinforced by aware citizens and robust systems.
