How are Cyber Scammers Stealing Rs 1,000 Crore from People in TN?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tamil Nadu has lost over Rs 1,000 crore to cyber fraud this year.
- The Cyber Crime Wing has successfully frozen significant amounts of the cheated funds.
- High-impact operations have led to numerous arrests of cybercriminals.
- A strong emphasis is placed on public awareness and reporting suspicious activities.
- Authorities continue to enhance measures to combat online fraud.
Chennai, Sep 10 (NationPress) This year, Tamil Nadu has seen a disturbing rise in cyber fraud, with the public suffering losses close to Rs 1,010 crore from various scams up to July, as per data from the Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing.
Authorities reported that prompt actions have enabled the freezing of Rs 314 crore of the swindled amount, while Rs 62.4 crore has been returned to victims after securing necessary court approvals. In a stark comparison, cyber fraud losses reached a staggering Rs 1,673 crore in 2024, with Rs 772 crore frozen and Rs 84 crore restored to victims.
The increasing magnitude of these crimes underscores the rising threat of online fraud, yet officials assert that Tamil Nadu remains a leader nationally in addressing cyber threats and protecting individuals from severe victimization.
The Cyber Crime Wing has launched a series of impactful operations this year.
Under a statewide crackdown known as 'Operation Thiraineeku-I', police apprehended 76 suspects linked to 135 FIRs and 20 Community Service Registers (CSRs) associated with 158 complaints reported via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
The total loss reported in these complaints was Rs 41.97 crore. Officials emphasized that this operation not only brought numerous cybercriminals to justice but also delivered a strong warning to fraudsters targeting individuals through online loan scams, investment frauds, and phishing.
On a national scale, Tamil Nadu has significantly contributed to the Pan-India 'Operation Hydra', aimed at apprehending cybercriminals across state lines.
As part of this initiative, seven offenders from Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Assam, and Delhi, involved in high-impact cybercrime networks, were arrested. These individuals were reportedly running organized fraud syndicates utilizing fake call centers and digital manipulation tactics to illegally extract large sums from unsuspecting victims.
In a further stringent measure, the state has detained 18 cyber offenders under the strict Goondas Act, highlighting its zero-tolerance stance.
Senior officials remarked that these efforts aim not only to penalize the guilty but also to protect potential victims by dismantling fraud networks before they can cause more extensive harm. Authorities have urged the public to stay alert, refrain from sharing personal information online, and report suspicious activities promptly through the NCRP portal or local helplines.