Visakhapatnam: A worrying picture of rising cybercrime has emerged from Visakhapatnam, where residents lost nearly ₹28 crore to online frauds in the first three months of 2026. The sharp surge in cases—primarily driven by investment scams and so-called “digital arrest” frauds—has raised serious concerns over digital safety and awareness.
According to official data, more than 400 complaints related to cyber fraud were reported between January and March, leading to around 60 FIRs. Authorities clarified that a single FIR often includes multiple complaints of a similar nature, which explains the gap between the number of complaints and registered cases.
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A closer look at the monthly figures reveals an alarming trend. January alone accounted for ₹12 crore in losses, while February and March saw cyber frauds worth over ₹8 crore each. These numbers indicate not only the growing scale of cybercrime but also the increasing sophistication of fraudsters, who are constantly evolving their tactics.
Investigations suggest that nearly 50 percent of the total fraud amount is linked to investment-related scams. These include fake stock trading platforms, fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes, and high-return investment offers. Cyber criminals lure victims with promises of quick and substantial profits, exploiting the widespread desire for easy money. Notably, victims are not limited to the general public—working professionals and business owners are also falling prey to such schemes.
Another major category is the “digital arrest” scam, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of the total losses. In these cases, fraudsters impersonate officials from enforcement or government agencies and contact victims through video calls. They create panic by falsely claiming that the victim is involved in a legal case and threaten arrest unless money is transferred immediately. The psychological pressure often compels victims to comply without verification.
Officials pointed out that senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to such frauds. Factors such as a trusting nature, lack of digital literacy, social isolation, and financial stability make them easy targets. In many instances, the absence of immediate family support further increases the risk, allowing fraudsters to manipulate victims without interruption.
Cybersecurity experts emphasize that modern cybercrime is no longer limited to technical hacking but heavily relies on human psychology. Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh explains, “Cyber criminals today are increasingly using social engineering techniques. They exploit emotions like greed and fear to manipulate individuals into transferring money themselves.”
He added that despite repeated awareness campaigns, people continue to fall into these traps. “Unless individuals remain vigilant and cautious, it will be difficult to completely curb such crimes,” he warned.
However, there is a silver lining. Authorities have managed to limit financial damage in several cases through timely intervention. Officials noted that if a victim reports the fraud within one hour, there is a higher chance of freezing the transaction and recovering the lost amount.
The administration has urged citizens to exercise extreme caution while dealing with unknown calls, suspicious links, or unsolicited investment offers. Any scheme promising unusually high returns in a short time should be treated as a red flag.
Additionally, adopting basic cybersecurity practices—such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly monitoring bank transactions—can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud.
This case once again highlights that while the digital era offers convenience and opportunities, it also brings growing risks. Awareness, alertness, and swift action remain the most effective defenses against cybercrime.
