Cybercrime in India is growing at an alarming pace. Every day, thousands of people lose their money, personal data, or even social media accounts to online scams. But why cyber crime is increasing in India?
On one hand, India is going through a digital boom, where banking, shopping, entertainment, and work are largely online; on the other hand, cyber criminals use it as an opportunity to target victims.
Recent government data highlights the severity of the situation: cyber crime cases in India caused losses of ₹22,845.73 crore in 2024, a 206% increase from ₹7,465 crore in 2023.
Reports also show over 36.4 lakh financial fraud cases and 22.7 lakh overall cybercrime complaints in 2024, making this one of the most urgent digital security challenges for India.
In this blog, we’ll explore why cybercrime is increasing so quickly, the major impacts it’s having on individuals, businesses, and the country, how the government is responding, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Key Reasons Behind the Surge in Cybercrime in India
India’s digital revolution has created opportunities for growth but also new vulnerabilities. Here are the major reasons why cyber crime in India is growing so fast:
1. Digital Boom and Increased Connectivity
With almost everyone using smartphones, UPI, and digital payment apps, scammers have more channels to target unsuspecting users.
While these platforms are convenient, poor security practices (like weak passwords) make them easy targets.
2. Low Cybersecurity Awareness
Millions of users still don’t know how to spot fake apps, phishing links, or scam calls.
This lack of awareness makes it easy for criminals to trick victims into sharing OTPs, passwords, or money.
3. Rise in AI-driven Scams
According to a 2024 report, AI tools were used in 80% of phishing campaigns, including deepfakes and fake apps.
AI-based cybercrime costs India nearly ₹22,812 crore in one year.
Scams like “digital arrest” (where fraudsters impersonate police or agencies) are becoming more common.
4. Weak Security Infrastructure
Many individuals and small businesses still rely on outdated systems, weak passwords, or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Hackers exploit these gaps to steal sensitive data or money.
5. Outdated Laws and Slow Investigations
India’s IT Act (2000) was designed for the early days of e-commerce. It does not adequately cover modern threats such as cyberstalking, harassment, or AI-based fraud.
Investigations often move slowly due to limited resources, giving criminals time to escape.
6. Social Media and UPI Frauds
Frauds on WhatsApp, Instagram, and UPI apps are exploding. Fake job offers, QR code scams, and phishing links trick people into sharing private details or sending money.
7. Dark Web and Easy Access to Tools
Today, even small-time scammers can buy hacking kits, malware, and stolen databases on the dark web. This lowers the barrier to entry and fuels large-scale fraud operations.
Impact of Rising Cybercrime in India
Cybercrime is no longer just a technical issue; it impacts India’s economy, society, and national security. Here’s how:
- Financial Losses
In 2024, victims lost over ₹22,845 crore to online fraud. High-value frauds (above ₹1 lakh) alone rose four-fold, from 6,699 in FY2023 to 29,082 in FY2024. Karnataka reported ₹938 crore in losses between January–May 2025. - Emotional Stress and Fear
Scams don’t just cost money—they leave victims anxious, embarrassed, and fearful of using digital services again. - Business Reputation Damage
When companies face ransomware or data leaks, customer trust collapses. This reputational hit can be more damaging than the direct financial loss. - National Security Threats
Cyberattacks have also targeted government infrastructure and critical databases, raising concerns over national security.
Government’s Response to Rising Cybercrime
The Indian government has intensified its fight against cybercrime with stronger reporting mechanisms, awareness campaigns, and global cooperation.
1. Strengthened Reporting and Helplines
- The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) is now more robust.
- The Cyber Helpline has helped recover over ₹300 crore in Mumbai since 2022 and prevented losses of ₹113 crore in just the first eight months of 2025.
2. CERT-In Alerts
CERT-In issues regular warnings about phishing campaigns, malware, and vulnerabilities, coordinating with banks and companies during major attacks.
3. I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre)
- Launched advanced modules like “Pratibimb”, which has helped block 9.42 lakh SIMs and 2.63 lakh IMEIs.
- Prevented losses worth ₹4,631 crore through a suspect registry.
- Led to over 10,599 arrests in 2024.
4. Reduction in Spoof Calls
Telecom-engineered systems blocked 1.35 crore spoofed calls in 24 hours. By March 2025, spoofed calls had dropped by 97%.
5. Public Awareness Campaigns
Initiatives like Cyber Jaagrookta Diwas (Cyber Awareness Day) and mass campaigns on safe digital practices are helping educate citizens.
6. International Cooperation
India is working with countries like the US and platforms like Bharatpol to track global cybercriminals and bring back Indians trapped in cyber scam rackets abroad.
How to Protect Yourself from Cybercrime?
While the government is making efforts, your best defense is awareness and proactive digital hygiene. Here are key safety tips:
- Stay Alert While Making Payments
- Verify UPI IDs and QR codes before sending money.
- Never share OTPs, PINs, or login credentials.
- Use Strong and Unique Passwords
- Avoid reusing the same password.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
- Beware of Suspicious Messages
- Don’t click on unknown links or download files from strangers.
- Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers or fear-based calls.
- Keep Devices Secure
- Regularly update your apps, phone, and antivirus software.
- Avoid conducting financial transactions on public Wi-Fi.
- Verify Before Trusting
- Always verify the identity of people claiming to be from banks, police, or the government.
- Use official helplines instead of trusting unknown callers.
How to File a Cyber Crime Complaint?
If you are a victim of cyber fraud, follow these steps to report your complaint in cyber crime:
- Visit cyber crime portal- Register and Login
- Choose the type of Fraud
- Provide clear details – including UPI ID, bank account numbers, screenshots, or call records.
- Track your complaint on the portal to check cyber crime complaint status and cooperate with the police for updates.
Need help?
cRegister with us, and our team will guide you in drafting and documenting your complaint correctly, using the right protocol, and assist in follow-ups to maximize chances of recovery.
Conclusion
Cybercrime in India is rising rapidly, with losses exceeding ₹22,800 crore in 2024 and projected to cross ₹1.2 lakh crore in 2025. Scammers are exploiting digital payments, social media, and AI tools to launch increasingly sophisticated attacks.
The good news: awareness is your strongest shield. By staying vigilant, using strong passwords, enabling 2FA, and reporting suspicious activity via cybercrime.gov.in or calling 1930, you can stay one step ahead.
Remember: no bank, police officer, or government agency will ever ask for your OTP or password. The more informed we are, the harder it becomes for cybercriminals to succeed.
