Bihar has emerged as one of India’s most vulnerable regions for cyber fraud, with a sharp rise in online scams targeting families, students and job-seeking youth, according to a report released by Quick Heal Technologies Ltd, a leading cybersecurity solutions provider.
Citing research conducted by its enterprise security arm, Seqrite Labs, the company said cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting UPI-based payments, fake QR codes at local shops, phishing links, fraudulent mobile applications and urgent phone calls to steal money from unsuspecting users across the State.
The report highlights how Bihar’s rapid shift towards digital payments, online education and app-based services—often without adequate cyber awareness—has created fertile ground for fraudsters. “Cybercrime cases have surged as digital life takes over, from tea stall transactions in small towns to online classes across the State,” Quick Heal said in a statement.
Common Scam Tactics and Vulnerable Groups
According to the findings, scamsters commonly impersonate bank officials, government representatives or service providers, pressuring victims into sharing one-time passwords (OTPs), PINs or login credentials. Messages warning of imminent account suspension due to incomplete KYC details are among the most frequently reported tactics.
“Low awareness levels leave families, elders and young users wide open to tricks such as ‘KYC update now or account blocked’, bogus job fees, and QR codes that drain wallets instead of crediting them,” the report noted.
The study identified busy parents, curious schoolchildren and job-hunting freshers as the most frequently targeted groups. Fraudsters often exploit emotional vulnerabilities, time pressure and lack of technical knowledge to extract sensitive information or payments.
Students and Job Seekers in the Crosshairs
Students seeking college admissions, competitive exam preparation or employment opportunities have emerged as a particularly vulnerable demographic. The report said fake college admission forms, promises of leaked examination papers, and fraudulent work-from-home offers are widely circulated through WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels and social media platforms.
“These scams typically demand small ‘registration fees’ or ‘processing charges’ that disappear once the payment is made,” the company said, adding that many victims do not report losses, especially in rural areas, allowing fraud networks to expand unchecked.
Rise of Emotional Manipulation and Deepfake Scams
Recent cybercrime investigations have also uncovered more sophisticated psychological tactics. Fraudsters are now using deepfake audio and video clips, posing as relatives in distress or authority figures, to pressure victims into making urgent transfers.
Other cases involve fake bank representatives convincing victims to install remote access applications, giving criminals direct control over their smartphones and banking apps. Such methods, the report warned, significantly increase financial losses and make recovery difficult.
Underreporting Fuels Organised Crime Networks
Quick Heal pointed out that cyber fraud remains significantly underreported in rural and semi-urban areas of Bihar, enabling organised criminal groups to scale up operations rapidly. These networks often operate across state boundaries, using disposable SIM cards, mule bank accounts and encrypted messaging platforms to evade detection.
“The lack of timely reporting and digital literacy allows fraud syndicates to refine their techniques and target more victims,” the report said.
Safety Advisory for Users
To counter the growing threat, the cybersecurity firm urged users to follow basic digital hygiene practices. It advised people never to share OTPs, PINs or passwords, and to verify all links only through official banking or service-provider applications.
Users were also warned against scanning unknown QR codes, especially when receiving money, as many scams redirect payments instead of crediting accounts. Families and students were encouraged to use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
Need for Awareness and Coordinated Response
Experts say the findings underline the urgent need for wider cyber awareness campaigns, particularly in states witnessing rapid digital adoption. Strengthening coordination between law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and cybersecurity firms will be critical to containing the threat.
As Bihar continues to embrace digital services, the report cautioned that security awareness must grow at the same pace. Without it, cyber fraud is likely to remain a persistent and evolving risk for millions of users across the State.
