WHITEFIELD TOPS IN CYBERCRIME IN CITY

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Whitefield, known for its tech parks and IT firms, has now gained notoriety as the city’s cybercrime hub. Recent police data reveals that of the 17,560 cybercrime cases reported in 2024, Whitefield recorded the highest, with 3,680 incidents. Despite this alarming number, only 24 cases have been solved, highlighting the growing challenge law enforcement agencies face in tackling digital fraud. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Whitefield Division) Dharmender Kumar Meena noted that around 40 percent of reported crimes are cyber- related, with many victims being educated professionals. Despite awareness efforts, even IT employees fall prey to scams, often due to greed.

Investment frauds, phishing scams, and OTP frauds are the most common, he added. A recent case saw fraudsters posing as bank officials gifting a smartphone to a 60-year-old Whitefield resident, Kishore Kumar who was unaware of that the phone contained a cloning app that gave scammers access to his banking details. Within days, Rs 2.8 crore was siphoned from his fixed deposit. Following Whitefield, the South Division reported 2,443 cases, while the West, East, and North Divisions also recorded significant cyber fraud cases.

Experts warn that cybercriminals are leveraging AI and social engineering tactics to target victims. National Cybersecurity Scholar Chetan Anand stresses the need for increased vigilance, as even well-educated individuals fall victim due to overconfidence and lack of awareness. With digital fraud evolving, police urge citizens to stay informed and adopt cybersecurity best practices to safeguard their assets.