Mizoram Sees Surge in Online Banking Frauds as Leading Cybercrime
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Synopsis
Online banking frauds are the leading cybercrime in Mizoram, comprising 56.38% of 321 cases registered. The state is combating this issue through awareness campaigns and legal action against offenders.
Key Takeaways
- 56.38% of cybercrime cases involve online financial fraud.
- Mizoram registered 321 cybercrime cases from January 2020 to March 11, 2023.
- Efforts are underway to combat cybercrime and educate the public.
- 113 people have been arrested in cybercrime cases since 2021.
- Authorities urge vigilance against online fraud.
Aizawl, April 7 (NationPress) Online banking frauds have emerged as the predominant form of cybercrime in Mizoram. An alarming 56.38 percent of the 321 cybercrime cases reported between January 2020 and March 11 this year were linked to financial fraud, according to officials on Monday.
An authority from the state cybercrime police station stated that out of the 321 cases this year, 181 cases, or 56.38 percent, involved online financial scams.
In addition to the 181 financial fraud cases, there were 70 incidents of online sexual harassment, 32 cases of identity theft, 16 cases of child pornography, nine cases related to social media, seven cases of copyright violations, five cases of spreading rumors, and one hacking incident.
The peak of financial crimes occurred in 2022, with 107 cases reported, and over Rs 1.42 crore was recovered in financial fraud cases from 2021 to March 11 this year.
Mizoram registered the highest number of cybercrime cases in 2022 at 185, followed by 72 cases in 2023.
In 2024, the cybercrime cases dropped to 41, with 17 related to financial fraud and 15 to sexual harassment.
As of March 11 this year, 13 cybercrime cases have been filed, including six sexual harassment cases and four financial fraud cases.
Since 2021, 113 individuals, including eight minors, have been apprehended in connection with various cybercrime offenses, with 40 convictions reported.
Mizoram Police indicated that many cybercriminals are operating from various regions across the country, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chandigarh.
In response, Mizoram Police has initiated a significant campaign against cybercrime, urging people to be particularly vigilant against online or digital fraud.
Mizoram's Chief Minister, Lalduhoma, stated that his administration is dedicated to combating cybercrime and the abuse of social media while ensuring that offenders face legal consequences.
He emphasized that coordinated efforts are being made to tackle cybercrime, prevent the misuse of social media, combat the dissemination of false information, and penalize wrongdoers as per the law.
"The Cyber Crime Police Station is actively fostering awareness regarding cyber safety to educate social media users. These initiatives aim to create a strong deterrent against cybercrime and encourage safe Internet and technology use among the public," he remarked.
