Cyber Crime
Ghaziabad Residents Beware: Rs 45.75 Crore Lost to Cybercrime in First Half of 2024 Alone
Ghaziabad reports 183 cybercrime cases since February, with Rs 45.75 crore lost. Despite freezing Rs 10.98 crore, police face challenges in solving these complex cases.
Ghaziabad residents are facing a growing threat – cybercrime. Alarming data reveals a steep rise in online fraud cases, with residents losing a substantial amount of money to cybercriminals.
Since the dedicated cyber police station opened its doors in February 2024, a staggering Rs 45.75 crore has been lost in just the first half of the year, with a total of 183 cases registered. While the Ghaziabad Police deserve credit for freezing Rs 10.98 crore of these stolen funds, the overall recovery rate remains a cause for concern.
The problem extends beyond the first half of 2024. Looking back at the past three and a half years, a concerning picture emerges. Ghaziabad has witnessed a total loss of over Rs 97 crore to cybercriminals. The year 2023 stands out as a particularly bad period, with a record 1,074 cases registered and a loss of Rs 26.54 crore. However, only 183 chargesheets were filed in these cases, raising questions about the effectiveness of investigations.
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Despite the challenges, the Ghaziabad Police are taking proactive steps. “The launch of the cyber police station has made it much easier for residents to register FIRs (First Information Reports) for cybercrime,” explains Ajay Kumar Mishra, Commissioner of Police, Ghaziabad. “Our initial focus is on freezing the stolen funds before apprehending the criminals. This approach has helped us increase the recovery rate for victims.”
However, tackling cybercrime is a complex task, as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sachchidanand, explains. “These crimes often transcend state borders, making investigations intricate and time-consuming,” he says. “Gathering evidence takes time because we need to track down fake documents, SIM cards, and mobile phones used by the criminals.”
Sachchidanand further sheds light on a cunning tactic employed by cybercriminals. “They often exploit vulnerabilities by purchasing bank accounts from unsuspecting individuals and then use them for illegal activities,” he reveals. “By the time we locate these account holders, they’ve already sold them for a quick profit.” He adds that the decentralized nature of online crime makes tracking down the perpetrators even more challenging.
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Despite these hurdles, the Ghaziabad Police have made some progress. In the last three and a half years, they have arrested a total of 376 individuals and filed chargesheets in 462 cases. However, the low ratio of chargesheets to cases filed underscores the need for a more robust investigative approach to effectively combat this growing threat.
What does this mean for Ghaziabad residents?
- Be extremely cautious while engaging in online activities, especially financial transactions.
- Remain vigilant against phishing scams and unsolicited calls or messages.
- Report any suspicious activity to the cyber police station immediately.
- Consider using strong passwords and two-factor authentication for online accounts.
By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, Ghaziabad residents can help mitigate the risks associated with cybercrime. The Ghaziabad Police are actively working to combat this issue, and their efforts, combined with resident vigilance, can create a safer online environment for everyone.