Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam has experienced a shocking rise in cybercrime, with losses escalating to Rs 115.3 crore in 2024, a staggering 566% increase from previous years. The alarming spike has heightened concerns over online security, pushing authorities to intensify measures to combat the growing threat.
Key contributors to this surge include phishing scams, fraudulent investment schemes, and part-time job scams, which have become increasingly sophisticated as cybercriminals exploit the rising dependence on digital transactions. Over 13,000 residents have fallen victim to various cybercrimes, including financial fraud, identity theft, and cyberstalking. Experts caution that many cases remain unreported, further complicating efforts to address the issue.
The Visakhapatnam police have taken proactive steps to mitigate the damage, successfully freezing Rs 18 crore from fraudsters’ accounts and recovering Rs 4.6 crore for 150 victims through swift action. However, emerging scams, such as cryptocurrency fraud, fake job offers, and online romance scams, present new challenges for law enforcement.
Authorities are urging citizens to report cybercrimes promptly, as early intervention significantly improves the chances of recovering stolen funds. Despite awareness campaigns, underreporting continues to hamper efforts to combat the issue.
The steep rise in cybercrime underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures, increased public awareness, and vigilance to safeguard citizens against increasingly elaborate digital fraud schemes.
