In a groundbreaking study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur in collaboration with the Future Crime Research Foundation, it has been revealed that a staggering 80 per cent of all cyber fraud cases in India are operated from 10 districts.
These startling findings were unveiled in a recent white paper that sheds light on cyber crime trends spanning from 2020 to 2023. The report draws its data from authoritative sources, including the National Crime Records Bureau, Parliament records, and think tank reports.
The most concerning revelation from this study is the alarming concentration of cyber fraud in a few districts, marking them as hotspots for cyber criminal activities.
Among the various cyber crimes, online financial fraud has emerged as the most prevalent, constituting a staggering 77.41 per cent of the total cyber crimes, according to the latest available data.
What raises concerns further is that these 10 districts have become focal points for cyber criminals who are increasingly targeting UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transaction fraud, posing a significant threat to the financial security of individuals and businesses alike.
Leading the list of the top 10 districts grappling with cybercrime is Bharatpur in Rajasthan, contributing to 18 per cent of the total cyber crimes, primarily dominated by cyber fraud cases. In second place is Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, accounting for 12 per cent of the total cyber crimes. Gurugram secures the sixth spot with an 8.1 per cent share of the total cyber crimes. Other districts that have raised red flags in the report include Nuh, Deoghar, Jamtara, Alwa, Bokaro, Karmatand and Giridih.
While online financial fraud remains a grave concern, cyber criminals have displayed a wide range of tactics to exploit unsuspecting victims. Among their deceptive strategies are scams involving fake electricity or water bills, where individuals are tricked into making payments under the guise of outstanding dues. Equally disconcerting is the surge in fraudulent schemes persuading victims to unlock their credit or debit cards, ultimately resulting in unauthorised transactions.
In a sinister turn of events, cyber criminals have taken to trapping victims in fake obscene video calls, only to later threaten them with the release of compromising videos on the internet. This chilling tactic capitalises on the vulnerability of unsuspecting individuals, causing severe emotional distress and lasting trauma.
The psychological toll on victims subjected to such scams is immeasurable, emphasising the immediate need for enhanced cyber security measures, awareness campaigns, and legal safeguards to protect individuals from these heinous acts. Authorities and cyber security experts are actively working to combat these evolving threats and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In this digital age, securing financial transactions, protecting personal information and maintaining online safety are paramount. The battle against cyber crime remains an ongoing struggle, underscoring the importance of collective efforts to ensure the safety and security of individuals in the online world.
As the nation grapples with this rising cyber crime wave, it is imperative for individuals to exercise caution, maintain privacy settings and promptly report suspicious online activities. By joining forces, India can better equip itself to confront the ever-evolving challenges posed by cyber criminals and safeguard its citizens from financial and emotional harm.