Mumbai has recorded a major rise in cybercrime over the past five years. The city has reported nearly twenty thousand cases of digital fraud. These include card cloning, ATM skimming, and advanced SIM swap attacks. The financial loss has crossed two thousand crore rupees. Recoveries remain very low.
Card and ATM frauds cause the highest losses
Mumbai Police data shows that banking and payment frauds have caused the most damage. In the past five years, four thousand one hundred and thirty two FIRs were filed for credit and debit card fraud. These cases include ATM skimming, card cloning, SIM swap, and OTP based fraud. The total loss from these cases is one hundred and sixty five crore rupees. Police have recovered only four point eight crore rupees.
Investigators say fraudsters are using advanced tools. These include malware inside ATMs, card skimming devices, fake customer care numbers, fake app links, and AI based voice cloning. These methods trick people into sharing confidential details.
OTP theft and SIM swap are leading triggers behind the crimes
Most cases involve fake calls or messages. Fraudsters pretend to be bank staff or service representatives. Victims are pressured into sharing OTPs, PINs, or KYC information.
In many cases, criminals carried out SIM swap fraud through mobile operators. This gave them complete control over the victim’s bank linked mobile number. They then made unauthorised transactions without triggering instant alerts.
Cyber experts say weak digital habits and gaps in customer verification are making the situation worse.
Banks face criticism for not reimbursing victims
Victims told a common noun that banks are refusing refunds even when cases fall under the RBI zero liability rule. As per RBI guidelines, customers who report the fraud quickly and are not at fault must be compensated.
Complainants say banks delay fraud complaint registration, shift blame to customers, and reject refund requests even when forensic reports confirm the fraud. Consumer rights groups say this increases distrust and leads to fewer cases being reported.
Cybercrime networks are now spread across borders
Mumbai Police say that many cybercrime groups operate from outside the city. Rackets function from states such as Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Other networks operate from Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
Funds are moved through mule accounts, fake UPI IDs, layered wallet transfers, and cryptocurrency routes. This makes it difficult for police to trace the money.
Police focus on awareness and quick reporting
Authorities say quick reporting within the first four to six hours helps in blocking fraudulent transfers. Mumbai Police are urging the public to use the cyber helpline one nine three zero, avoid unknown links and APK files, and stay alert to UPI, KYC, and social media scams.
Growing cyber threats pose a major challenge
The loss of more than two thousand crore rupees has raised concerns about Mumbai’s cybersecurity strength. Experts warn that unless banking security improves, RBI rules are followed strictly, and cross border networks are tackled, cyber fraud may rise even further.
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