Cyber Scams in India Cost ₹4,057 Crore in Four Years: Latest Scam Trends

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Digital arrest cyber scams have caused significant financial losses in India over four years, with ₹4,057.7 crore lost and 297,727 incidents reported.

Digital Arrest Scams Cost Indians ₹4,057 Crore in Four Years

Over a four-year period from 2022 to May 2026, digital arrest scams resulted in financial losses totaling ₹4,057.7 crore, with 297,727 reported incidents.

2024 Saw Highest Number of Complaints

Official records indicate that 2024 recorded the maximum number of digital arrest complaints. During this year, authorities documented 123,672 cases, with financial losses amounting to approximately ₹1,935.5 crore. In the first five months of 2026 alone, 15,215 complaints were registered.

Fraudsters Pose as Government Officials

Investigations reveal that cybercriminals frequently impersonate representatives from governmental bodies, accusing victims of involvement in money laundering, illegal parcel trafficking, or international financial crimes. These perpetrators employ prolonged video calls to exert psychological pressure on targets, threatening arrest, bank account freezes, or legal prosecution. In numerous instances, victims are instructed to avoid contacting family members or others and to remain on video calls until the fabricated investigation concludes.

Citizens Urged to Verify and Report

Cybersecurity professionals have emphasized that no legitimate government agency conducts investigations through video calls or requests financial transactions via phone. Individuals are advised to remain composed, independently confirm the authenticity of any person claiming to represent an official entity, and avoid making decisions under duress. Authorities have also warned against sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs), bank account details, credit card information, Aadhaar numbers, or other sensitive data with unidentified callers. Victims are encouraged to report such incidents immediately by contacting the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or submitting a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

According to cybersecurity professionals, no legitimate government agency conducts investigations through video calls or requests financial transactions via phone.