Have cyber fraud losses in Coimbatore crossed Rs 87 crore in 2025?
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Synopsis
In 2025, Coimbatore residents lost over Rs 87 crore to cyber fraud, revealing the alarming rise of online scams. Despite police efforts, recovery is less than 10%. Authorities stress the importance of timely reporting and stricter regulations to safeguard citizens.
Key Takeaways
- Cyber fraud losses in Coimbatore reached Rs 87.16 crore in 2025.
- Recovery rate is less than 10%.
- Majority of complaints relate to online financial fraud.
- Authorities stress timely reporting of fraud.
- Stricter KYC norms are essential for prevention.
Coimbatore, Jan 6 (NationPress) In 2025, residents of Coimbatore suffered an alarming loss of Rs 87.16 crore due to cyber fraud, despite ongoing efforts by the Coimbatore city police and the Tamil Nadu government to raise cyber safety awareness. This figure underscores the increasing sophistication of online scams and the difficulties faced by law enforcement agencies.
According to a report from the city police, there were 9,960 complaints received by the cybercrime wing last year. Out of these, 7,779 cases were specifically related to online financial fraud, encompassing various tactics such as phishing, deceptive links, harmful mobile applications, and social engineering schemes.
Despite the significant total loss of Rs 87.16 crore, police managed to recover only Rs 7.65 crore, which indicates a recovery rate of less than 10 percent. In total, 60 individuals were arrested in connection with multiple cybercrime cases, with eight of them detained under the Goondas Act.
In contrast, the cybercrime police apprehended 50 suspects in 2024, with nine of them facing detention under the same Act.
Officials revealed that fraudsters continue to exploit trust in government systems and digital platforms to scam victims. For instance, one resident received a WhatsApp message that falsely claimed to be a traffic violation notice, demanding a Rs 1,000 fine.
The message contained a link urging the recipient to download an app resembling an official transport department application. Believing the message to be legitimate, the victim downloaded the app, leading to a loss of Rs 1 lakh from their bank account within moments.
“I never thought a simple message about a traffic fine could deplete my savings. It seemed entirely genuine and bore official logos,” the victim recounted while filing a complaint with the police.
A senior officer from the cybercrime unit emphasized that bank transaction trails and account information are essential for effective cybercrime investigations.
“Timely information sharing by banks is crucial. Any delays hinder investigations and significantly diminish the chances of freezing or recovering stolen funds,” the officer stated.
The officer also highlighted the necessity for stricter Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. “Many frauds stem from mule accounts established due to inadequate verification processes. These accounts are pivotal in financial cybercrimes. Banks must enhance KYC checks during account openings,” the officer added.
Authorities urged the public to refrain from downloading apps from unverified links, confirm the authenticity of official messages, and promptly report suspected fraud to improve recovery chances.
Point of View
I recognize the critical implications of the rising cyber fraud cases in Coimbatore. It is essential for citizens to stay informed and vigilant as online scams become increasingly complex. Our reporting aims to empower the public with knowledge to safeguard their finances.
NationPress
07/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common types of cyber fraud?
Common types of cyber fraud include phishing, fake websites, and social engineering scams that trick individuals into providing personal and financial information.
How can I protect myself from cyber fraud?
To protect yourself, avoid downloading apps from unknown sources, verify official communications, and report suspicious activities immediately.
What should I do if I become a victim of cyber fraud?
If you fall victim to cyber fraud, report the incident to the local police and your bank promptly to minimize potential losses.
What role do banks play in preventing cyber fraud?
Banks play a crucial role by implementing strict KYC norms and promptly sharing information about suspicious transactions with authorities.
Is it safe to click on links in messages from unknown senders?
No, it is unsafe to click on links from unknown sources as they may lead to phishing sites or malicious downloads.
