Cybercrime Incidents Surge in Andhra Pradesh; Victims Lose Up to Rs 1 Crore

Cybercrime is on the rise in Andhra Pradesh, with offenders employing targeted techniques based on victims’ age groups and susceptibilities. According to cybercrime police officials, individual victims are reporting losses ranging from a few lakh rupees to over Rs 1 crore.

Young individuals between 20 and 25 years, particularly students and job-seekers, are being targeted with fraudulent employment offers. The scams often promise overseas jobs and direct victims to counterfeit websites that resemble legitimate recruitment portals. “Fraudsters share links to fake job portals. Victims enter personal data or make payments, after which the scammers remain untraceable,” said K. Bhavani Prasad, Inspector, Cyber Crime Police Station, Visakhapatnam.

Professionals aged 30 to 45 are being drawn into investment frauds involving cryptocurrency, forex trading, and stock market schemes. The scams promise high returns, prompting victims to transfer significant sums of money. “Despite regular warnings from regulatory authorities, such frauds continue to claim new victims by capitalising on financial aspirations,” the Inspector said.

Police records indicate that more than 300 cybercrime cases are reported each month across the State. Investment scams account for a significant proportion of financial losses. Officials also observed that several victims, particularly prominent individuals, refrain from filing complaints due to concerns about personal or professional reputation.

Senior citizens aged 60 to 70 are increasingly falling prey to ‘digital arrest’ scams. Offenders, posing as officials from central enforcement agencies such as the CBI, ED or Customs, accuse victims of involvement in criminal activity. Victims are then coerced into transferring money to avoid fabricated legal consequences. Spoofed phone calls and forged documents are commonly used in these operations.

Urban centres including Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati and Kurnool contribute to nearly 50 per cent of all reported cybercrime incidents in the State.

“Traditional crimes are declining, but cyber fraud has become a major concern,” said a senior police official. “Efforts are under way to strengthen digital forensics and expand technology-driven monitoring systems.” The police have advised citizens to exercise caution and report suspicious activity through official cybercrime reporting platforms.