Bengaluru, 4 Jan

Cybercrime in India is evolving at an alarming rate, with fraudsters leveraging sophisticated technologies and exploiting human vulnerabilities. A close examination of recent cybercrimes in Bengaluru sheds light on the modus operandi of cybercriminals and the pressing need for enhanced preventive measures.

How cybercrime networks operate

Karnataka Crime Investigation Department (CID) recently unearthed a cybercrime network that uses Telegram to sell stolen bank account details. CID investigators found groups offering bank account details and mule accounts, at prices ranging between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000. Their target usually is rural and underprivileged people who are lured through government benefits or fake surveys. To stay ahead of the game, fraudsters misuse emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. “They are double-edged swords,” said Rajesh LY, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bengaluru. “While they offer tools for securing digital ecosystems, they could also empower criminals with new methods of deception,” he said.

Digital arrests and fear-based frauds

Cybercriminals instil fear through tactics like “digital arrests,” posing as law enforcement or government officials. Victims are threatened with fabricated charges, such as involvement in terrorism or drug smuggling, and coerced into revealing bank details or making payments. Fraudsters also misuse Aadhaar-enabled Payment System by cloning biometrics and fabricating Aadhaar details.

On 7 December, a 65-year-old retired journalist in Bengaluru encountered a “digital arrest” scam. The fraudster, posing as a Lucknow police officer, claimed the journalist’s mobile number had been misused by hackers for terrorism-related activities. Under the guise of an interrogation, the imposter tried to intimidate the senior citizen into sharing personal details. However, the journalist, despite his initial anxiety, ended the call on time and reported the crime to police.

In Bengaluru, digital arrests have surged dramatically, with City police reporting 403 cases in 2023, and 1,417 cases in 2024 to date.

Bengaluru lost Rs 1,800 crore in 2024

According to reports, cybercrime cost Bengaluru residents Rs 1,800 crore this year till 30 November, marking a 168% increase in financial losses compared to 2023. Despite efforts, only Rs 122 crore has been recovered. The rising trend of stock trading scams and phishing attacks exemplifies the scale and diversity of these crimes.

Challenges in combating cybercrime

Information Technology Act, 2000, provides a legal framework to address cybercrimes, but enforcement remains a challenge. In most cases, law enforcement agencies in Karnataka may not have the technical skills to collect, analyse and trace digital evidence. Fraudsters use advanced technologies such as encrypted communication, proxy servers and sophisticated phishing techniques, leaving traditional investigative methods ineffective. Despite efforts to equip Cybercrime Economics and Narcotics (CEN) units with tools like Software-Defined Radio for tracking criminals, the lack of trained personnel remains a hurdle.

Another roadblock is the network of cyber frauds, crossing state and national boundaries, a senior official from Karnataka Cybercrime Department told Salar News. “Obtaining digital evidence requires multiple legal permissions from different jurisdictions and tracking IP addresses and digital footprints often needs complex inter-agency coordination,” he said.

Low conviction rates exacerbate the issue. According to National Crime Records Bureau, Bengaluru saw over 50,000 cybercrime cases registered in the past seven years, yet only 26 resulted in convictions.

Karnataka police have intensified efforts to track and deactivate online platforms used by cybercriminals. Over 700 social media accounts and groups have been shut down in 2024.

Report quickly, save yourself

Many victims are unaware of basic cybersecurity practices and this hampers the recovery.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda has urged citizens to report crimes quickly and follow safety measures. The police commissioner said the first 24-48 hours (Golden Hours) after discovering a cybercrime are crucial and quick reporting increases the chances of tracking digital evidence. “Victims should immediately file a detailed online or offline complaint while preserving all digital evidence including screenshots, chats, emails and transaction details, without tampering. The victim can then approach the nearest police station or call 1930 or 112 and report the incident,” Dayananda said.

DSP Rajesh LY said users must avoid installing unverified apps on their mobile phones and refrain from clicking on suspicious URL links. -Salar News