Cybercrime incidents in Andhra Pradesh continued to rise in 2024, with fraud accounting for more than half of all registered cases, according to the latest NCRB report.
The state recorded 2,528 cybercrime cases in 2024, up nearly 8% from 2,341 cases reported in 2023. Officials said online fraud, investment scams, and “digital arrest” schemes remain the biggest concerns despite ongoing awareness campaigns across the state.
Data showed that 1,274 cases were linked to fraud, making it the largest category of cyber offences in Andhra Pradesh. Other motives included political activities with 272 cases, personal revenge with 141 cases, extortion with 81 cases, and sexual exploitation with 63 cases.
Police officials stated that cyber fraud has caused financial losses running into crores of rupees, with many victims being educated individuals. According to NCRB data, Andhra Pradesh registered 7,210 cybercrime cases between 2022 and 2024.
Authorities revealed that cybercrime-related losses in 2024 alone reached nearly ₹970 crore, though officials believe the actual figure may be much higher because many incidents go unreported. The state saw a sharp increase in financial losses over the years, rising from ₹34.04 crore in 2021 to ₹117.5 crore in 2022, ₹378.6 crore in 2023, and ₹974.12 crore in 2024.
Cybercrime police inspector K. Bhavani Prasad said many investment scams originate from Southeast Asian countries, especially Cambodia. He added that nearly 70% of such frauds are linked to international cybercrime networks operating from highly secure locations reportedly managed by Chinese operators.
Officials also noted that recovery of stolen money remains a major challenge due to poor coordination between banks and investigating agencies in some cases.
Cybercrime cases in Visakhapatnam alone resulted in losses of more than ₹115 crore in 2024. Authorities estimated that people in Andhra Pradesh are losing nearly ₹50-60 crore every month to different forms of online fraud.
Police have urged citizens to avoid unrealistic investment schemes promising quick profits, verify RBI and SEBI licences before investing, and never share OTPs or passwords with anyone. Victims have been advised to immediately report cyber fraud through the dedicated helpline number 1930.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
