Cybercrime in the district has moved beyond isolated incidents and now reflects a structured and organised pattern of financial assault. Over the past two years, as many as 671 cyber fraud cases have been registered, with victims collectively losing ₹182.84 crore. Police have managed to recover only ₹36.38 crore, translating to a recovery rate of just 20 per cent.
The figures underline the scale and sophistication of digital fraud networks operating in the region. Investigators say fraudsters typically use bank accounts opened with fake credentials and swiftly route stolen funds through multiple layers of transfers, often across states, making freezing and recovery extremely difficult.
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Telegram Task Scams Cause Maximum Financial Damage
Among all categories, so-called “Telegram task fraud” has resulted in the highest financial loss. Over the past two years, 138 cases under this category led to losses amounting to ₹125.98 crore. In this modus operandi, scammers initially pay small amounts for completing simple online tasks to build trust. Once victims gain confidence, they are persuaded to invest larger sums with promises of guaranteed returns, after which the fraudsters disappear.
In terms of the number of complaints, share trading fraud topped the list. A total of 343 cases were registered in this category, involving losses of ₹22.42 crore.
Additionally, digital arrest scams — where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or investigative agencies — accounted for 42 cases, with losses of ₹13.44 crore.
Other notable categories include cryptocurrency trading fraud (10 cases, ₹3.47 crore), phone hacking and fake customer care fraud (31 cases, ₹3.17 crore), and smaller but significant incidents involving duplicate email hacking, loan fraud, sextortion, and insurance policy scams.
Supreme Court Flags Growing Threat
The alarming rise in cybercrime has drawn concern at the highest judicial level. The Supreme Court has recently observed that digital crimes are emerging as a serious threat to the country’s economy and the safety of ordinary citizens. The court has directed investigative agencies and banks to improve coordination and ensure faster relief to victims.
Two months ago, the court ordered that cases involving “digital arrest” scams be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). However, at the local level, such cases have not yet been transferred to the central agency.
Police Action and Ongoing Challenges
Police officials state that more than 300 cybercriminals have been arrested over the past two years. Efforts have led to the recovery of over ₹36 crore for victims. However, investigators admit that cyber fraud networks often operate across multiple states using fake SIM cards, mule bank accounts, and layered financial channels, complicating enforcement efforts.
Authorities have urged citizens to immediately report incidents to the national cyber helpline 1930 or register complaints at www.cybercrime.gov.in. Police emphasise that reporting within the initial “golden hour” significantly improves the chances of freezing and recovering funds.
Prevention Remains Key
Cyber experts stress that vigilance remains the most effective defence. Citizens are advised not to trust unknown calls, suspicious links, or unsolicited messages. Guaranteed profit schemes circulated on Telegram or social media platforms should be treated as red flags. Before investing in share or crypto platforms, users must verify their legitimacy.
Under no circumstances should OTPs, PINs, or card details be shared, even if the caller claims to represent a bank or government authority. Activating two-factor authentication on social media, email, and banking accounts is strongly recommended.
The data from Ghaziabad paints a clear picture: cybercrime has evolved into a coordinated and organised threat. Without stronger institutional coordination and heightened digital awareness, the financial impact on citizens may continue to escalate in the coming years.
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.
