Visakhapatnam: With the rapid expansion of digital payments and online services, cybercrime continues to grow at an alarming pace in Andhra Pradesh. Fresh data has once again highlighted that cyber fraud has evolved into a serious and organised form of crime. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB-2024), the state witnessed an 8% rise in cybercrime cases.
Fraud Accounts for Over Half of Cases
While 2,341 cases were registered in 2023, the number increased to 2,528 in 2024. Fraud accounted for the largest share, making up more than 50% of all reported cases. In addition, 272 cases were linked to political motives, 141 to personal enmity, 81 to extortion, and 63 to sexual exploitation.
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The report estimates that cybercrime-related financial losses in 2024 alone reached nearly ₹970 crore. However, officials believe the actual losses could be significantly higher due to underreporting of incidents.
A major shift has been observed in the nature of cybercrime. Earlier, phishing and OTP frauds were more common, but now investment scams and “digital arrest” frauds are rising rapidly. In such cases, criminals impersonate government officials or investigating agencies to intimidate victims and force them into transferring large sums of money.
Investment Scams and Digital Arrest Cases Rise
Experts note a concerning trend: a large proportion of victims belong to educated and aware sections of society. Many are lured by promises of high and quick returns, only to end up losing substantial amounts of money.
Cybersecurity experts say that nearly 70% of investment fraud operations are being run through networks based in Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia. In several cases, Indian youths are also trapped under the guise of job offers and later forced to participate in such illegal operations.
A cybersecurity researcher noted that criminals are now combining technology with psychological manipulation. “Cyber offenders are increasingly using social engineering techniques to create mental pressure and gain access to victims’ hard-earned money,” the researcher said.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that cases like digital arrest and investment fraud clearly show a shift in criminal strategy. “Offenders are no longer relying only on technology; they are targeting human behaviour. Fear and greed are being used as tools to extract money, as victims often end up sharing bank details and OTPs,” he said.
Losses Surge as Recovery Remains Difficult
Between 2022 and 2024, a total of 7,210 cybercrime cases were registered in the state. On average, 200 to 300 cases are reported every month. The financial loss, which was around ₹34 crore in 2021, surged dramatically to nearly ₹974 crore in 2024.
Experts further point out that cybercriminals are rapidly changing tactics and exploiting gaps in banking systems. In several cases, poor coordination between banks and investigative agencies has also slowed down recovery efforts.
While the government has launched awareness campaigns and activated the cybercrime helpline 1930, experts believe that without stronger public awareness and digital caution, it will remain extremely difficult to contain the growing threat.
