Cyber Crime
Cybercrimes Surge by 148% with Women as Primary Targets
Thiruvananthapuram : The state has seen a steep 148% rise in cybercrimes, with cases reported through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) surging from 9,619 in 2022 to 23,748 in 2023. By mid-2024, cases had already reached 31,019, marking a continued upward trend. According to the state’s cyber division, women are particularly targeted, as scammers often assume they may be less tech-savvy. Cyberfraud incidents peaked in May and June, spurring the police to intensify efforts to combat such crimes.
In response, the state police have deactivated 12,658 mobile SIM cards, blocked 14,293 devices linked to fraud, and shut down 29,020 “mule accounts” used in fraudulent schemes. Cyber patrolling efforts have taken down 18,200 fraudulent websites, 537 unauthorized loan applications, and over 9,000 social media accounts tied to scams.
Around 70% of cases this year relate to major financial losses from online investment scams, according to SP (Cyber Operations) Hari Sankar. New scam trends like “law enforcement officer fraud” and “digital arrests” have emerged, where fraudsters impersonate officials from agencies such as the Narcotics Control Bureau or CBI to coerce victims into transferring funds under false pretenses.
To address the complexities of modern cybercrime, the police are establishing a cryptocurrency investigation center at Kochi Cyberdome and forming a special team of 355 officers. Additionally, the ‘Cyberwall’ project aims to educate the public on cyber threats, using AI tools to offer resources for self-protection. Continuous training efforts have been expanded, with 4,697 officers trained in cyber investigation and prevention, equipping them to effectively counter rising cyber threats.