New Delhi: The rapid expansion of digital payments, internet banking and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services has been accompanied by a steady rise in financial cyber fraud across India. Over the past three financial years, Maharashtra recorded the highest number of financial cyber frauds, followed by the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, while Haryana ranked third and Tamil Nadu fourth. According to data presented by the Union Ministry of Finance in the Lok Sabha, Haryana registered 84,378 financial fraud cases involving ₹1,336.40 crore between FY 2023-24 and FY 2025-26.
In a written reply to Parliament, the Finance Ministry, citing data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), said that scheduled commercial banks (excluding regional rural banks) and All India Financial Institutions reported frauds during the three-year period. The figures show that Haryana recorded 25,359 cases involving ₹620.37 crore in FY 2024-25, while FY 2025-26 saw 3,482 cases involving ₹454.17 crore. However, the ministry did not specify the reasons behind the unusually high number of reported cases in the state.
In terms of the total amount involved, Maharashtra topped the country with financial frauds worth ₹1,20,532 crore over the three years. Delhi ranked second with ₹85,445 crore, followed by Tamil Nadu with ₹69,570 crore and Uttar Pradesh with ₹25,245 crore. The data indicates that states with high levels of economic activity and digital transactions continue to face an increasing threat from financial cybercrime.
Despite reporting a large number of cases, Haryana’s recovery of defrauded money remained relatively low. Victims recovered ₹6.87 crore in FY 2023-24, ₹1.48 crore in FY 2024-25 and ₹50.56 crore in FY 2025-26. The Finance Ministry noted that recovering stolen funds is challenging because cybercriminals quickly transfer money through multiple bank accounts, digital wallets and jurisdictions, making tracing and freezing assets more difficult.
To strengthen the country’s response to cybercrime, the Ministry of Home Affairs has established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). Under this framework, citizens can report online financial fraud through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System. After a complaint is received, banks, payment service providers and law enforcement agencies work together to freeze suspicious transactions and facilitate the recovery of victims’ funds.
The data also revealed that Haryana reported more financial fraud cases than several larger states, including West Bengal, Bihar, Karnataka and Gujarat, although the overall financial loss was comparatively lower. Experts believe this suggests that the state is witnessing a larger number of low-value digital payment and UPI-related frauds rather than high-value corporate banking frauds. Factors such as rapid digital payment adoption, major commercial hubs like Gurugram and Faridabad, an extensive banking network and increased public awareness of the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal have contributed to higher reporting.
According to renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh, cybercriminals have significantly evolved their methods alongside the growth of digital payments. He said that most financial cyber frauds today are carried out through social engineering, fake investment schemes, UPI fraud, screen-sharing applications, phishing attacks and mule bank accounts. He added that prompt reporting, timely banking intervention and effective inter-state coordination remain the most critical factors in improving fund recovery.
Despite the growing number of cyber fraud cases, Haryana has emerged as one of the better-performing states in cyber policing. According to a recent PRAGATI review chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, while the national average for refund orders stands at around 8%, Haryana issued restoration orders in 38% of the 14,731 cybercrime cases received till July 22. Through I4C’s Money Restoration Module, victims recovered ₹2.51 crore.
In Nuh, the state’s identified cybercrime hotspot, 491 suo motu FIRs were registered between January and July 22. During this period, police arrested 949 cybercriminals, seized 772 mobile phones and 1,481 SIM cards, blocked 55,323 mobile numbers and 25,202 IMEIs, and conducted cyber awareness campaigns reaching more than 3.14 lakh people across schools, colleges, markets, bus stands and social media platforms. Haryana Police has also strengthened cybercrime response through initiatives such as the e-Zero FIR system, the Samanvaya Portal and the Sahyog Portal to ensure faster investigation and quicker relief for victims.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
