Cyber fraud patterns in Bengaluru have changed significantly over the past 5 years, with investment scams linked to online trading platforms, fake share market schemes, and part-time job offers becoming the city’s most common cybercrimes. These scams have overtaken traditional OTP-based frauds as organised mule account networks rapidly move stolen money across multiple states.
According to Bengaluru Police data from 2022 to June 30, 2026, the city recorded 59,951 cybercrime cases involving financial losses of ₹5,059 crore. Authorities placed liens on ₹1,810 crore, recovered ₹611 crore, and returned ₹414 crore to victims. During the same period, 2,208 accused were arrested.
Investment trading fraud recorded the sharpest rise, increasing from 183 cases in 2022 to 2,648 in 2025. Another 903 cases were registered during the first half of 2026. Investment scams involving part-time jobs, online tasks, and fake review schemes also increased from 228 cases in 2022 to 2,158 in 2025.
Online money transfer frauds also witnessed steady growth, rising from 79 cases in 2022 to 1,197 in 2025. Another 656 cases were reported during the first 6 months of 2026.
“Smaller mule account operations are frozen swiftly but high-value investment frauds present a different challenge as money is siphoned through multiple states in a matter of minutes,” Director General of Police (Cyber Crime) Pronab Mohanty said.
The data also shows a decline in OTP-related frauds. Cases involving fake KYC updates, phishing messages, and malicious APK links dropped from 1,860 in 2022 to 392 by June 2026. Police attributed the decline to stronger public awareness and improved banking vigilance.
Meanwhile, digital arrest and FedEx scams have reduced after peaking in 2024, while deepfake, deep nude, and “Boss Scam” incidents are emerging as new cyber threats. Police have advised employees to verify urgent payment requests received through email before making any financial transactions.
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