Bengaluru faces cybercrime surge, Rs 1,200 cr lost in 2024

NT Correspondent Bengaluru: In the first eight months of 2024, Bengaluru residents have lost an astounding Rs 1,242.7 crore to cybercriminals, according to data from the cybercrime department. This marks a sharp increase of Rs 214.6 crore compared to the previous three years combined. The city recorded 12,356 cybercrime cases till August 31, averaging 1,544 cases per month, a significant jump from 17,633 cases in 2023. Scams such as investment fraud, Aadhaar- enabled payment frauds, and job-related cons are on the rise. Despite the spike, police have solved only 552 cases, recovering Rs 111.8 crore (8.9%). A senior CID officer attributed the low recovery rate to cybercriminals' evolving tactics. Critics also highlighted a shortage of investigators, stressing the need for more resources to combat cybercrime.