Bhopal: Cyber fraud across Bhopal’s 38 police station areas caused losses of ₹28.23 crore in the first eight months of 2026.
Which Areas Recorded the Most Cyber Fraud Cases?
Police data showed that 585 cyber fraud cases were registered across 38 police station areas in Bhopal during the first eight months of the year. Five areas emerged as the most frequent locations for such complaints, together accounting for 213 cases.
Ayodhya Nagar recorded the highest number with 47 cases. Piplani and Kolar reported 43 cases each, followed by Bagsewania with 41 and Shahpura with 39.
Among other areas, Misrod recorded 31 cyber fraud cases, Habibganj reported 25 and Ashoka Garden registered 24. The remaining police station areas together accounted for 192 cases. The Crime Branch separately registered 44 cybercrime cases during the same period.
The figures show that cyber fraud complaints were spread across the city, although a significant number were concentrated in a handful of police station jurisdictions.
FCRF Launches CP-FRM to Build India’s Next Generation of Fraud Risk Professionals
How Much Money Have Police Managed to Recover?
Police have emphasised the importance of the first one to two hours after a cyber fraud, describing this period as the “golden hour”. Complaints received quickly can give cyber teams an opportunity to stop stolen funds from being transferred further.
Between January and August, police managed to place ₹13.82 crore on hold. Of this amount, ₹4.20 crore was returned to victims.
The scale of losses remains substantial. Bhopal recorded cyber fraud losses of ₹53.41 crore in 2025. During that year, cyber teams placed ₹15.53 crore on hold and returned ₹4.33 crore to victims. Police said losses recorded during the first eight months of 2026 had already reached about 53 per cent of the total reported loss in 2025.
How Are Cyber Fraud Methods Changing?
Police said fraudsters are increasingly adopting methods that do not require victims to share a one-time password. Earlier methods commonly involved impersonating bank officials, seeking OTPs for KYC updates, threatening electricity disconnection and carrying out digital arrest fraud through video calls. Fraudsters are now increasingly using third-party applications, APK files and screen-access tools to gain access to mobile devices and banking information.
Police have advised residents against downloading unknown links or APK files and against sharing OTPs, PINs or passwords. People have also been asked to verify messages concerning electricity bills and KYC before taking action and to immediately report threats made in the name of digital arrest.
Victims have been advised to call 1930 immediately or file an online cybercrime complaint. Early reporting can help cyber teams place transferred funds on hold before the money moves through multiple accounts.
How Will the Money Restoration Process Work?
Additional DCP, Crime Branch and Cyber, Shailendra Singh Chauhan, said victims whose money has been held or frozen in bank accounts will no longer need to repeatedly visit courts, police stations and banks to recover it.
Under the Money Restoration Module portal, victims can apply online and submit an indemnity form. The cyber team will coordinate with the concerned bank through the portal to process the refund.
Applicants will also be able to track the refund process and the status of their case online. The system is intended to streamline the process after cyber teams have successfully held or frozen funds linked to fraud.
Follow for daily updates on cybercrime, corporate fraud, DFIR, hacking, investigations, and digital forensics
