Uttar Pradesh has recorded a sharp improvement in tackling cyber financial fraud, climbing to third place nationally in January 2026 by emphasising ‘golden hour’ reporting—the critical window immediately after a fraud occurs. Data from the Union home ministry’s National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal shows the state logged 29,715 complaints involving losses of ₹138.32 crore, of which ₹48.45 crore was secured by placing liens on suspected bank accounts. This translates into a 35.13% recovery rate, the third highest in the country.
Officials said the turnaround is driven by faster reporting and tighter coordination with banks. While UP stood at 24th place last year, prompt alerts now allow cyber cells to move quickly. As soon as a complaint is registered, police teams coordinate with banks and payment gateways to freeze suspicious transactions, preventing funds from being withdrawn or diverted.
Rajeev Krishna said recovery prospects are highest when complaints are filed during the golden hour.
“Timely alerts enable our teams to act within minutes. Victims are no longer reporting fraud after hours—many are reporting within minutes, and that speed is saving money,” he said.
What a lien means—and why it matters
Police officials explained that a lien refers to the temporary freezing of money in bank accounts linked to fraudulent transactions. The freeze remains until legal procedures are completed, significantly improving the chances of returning funds to victims.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
Behaviour change through public awareness
Authorities attribute the faster reporting to sustained outreach—social media advisories, campaigns at police stations, awareness programmes in schools and colleges, and promotion of the national cybercrime helpline. While technology and investigation are vital, officials stressed that time is the single most decisive factor in cyber fraud recovery.
How other states fared
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (UT) topped the list with a 62.45% recovery rate—₹0.40 crore secured out of ₹0.64 crore losses across 123 complaints. Haryana ranked second with a 35.72% recovery rate, securing ₹20.93 crore out of ₹58.58 crore losses from 9,207 complaints.
UP was followed by Gujarat (fourth), Chandigarh (fifth), Rajasthan (seventh), Delhi (11th) and Telangana (12th). States reporting higher overall fraud losses included Maharashtra (22nd), Karnataka (25th) and Tamil Nadu (30th).
Officials said the state will continue to focus on rapid reporting, bank coordination and public awareness in the coming months. “Every minute counts—citizen awareness is now our strongest weapon,” the DGP said.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
