A sharp rise in cybercrime has been reported in parts of Vizag city, with residents losing around Rs 28 crore between January and March 2026. Officials noted that investment scams and digital arrest frauds together contributed to over 70% of the total losses.
During this period, more than 400 complaints were filed, leading to around 60 FIRs at the cybercrime police station. Authorities clarified that a single FIR often combines 5 to 10 similar complaints, which explains the difference in numbers.
The financial impact was highest in January at Rs 12 crore, followed by over Rs 8 crore each in February and March. Despite the rising cases, police said they have been able to limit further losses through real-time intervention, tracking of account activity, and coordination with multiple agencies.
Investment-related frauds, including fake stock trading and cryptocurrency scams, accounted for nearly 50% of the total losses. Officials highlighted that the promise of quick and easy money continues to attract victims, including employees and business owners.
So-called digital arrest scams contributed to 20% of the losses. In such cases, fraudsters impersonate enforcement officials and threaten victims with fake legal action through video calls. Job scams and malicious APK file frauds were also reported as contributing factors.
Senior citizens were identified as particularly vulnerable due to factors such as trust, limited digital awareness, loneliness, financial stability, and lack of immediate support.
Police officials stated that “Greed and Fear” are the primary reasons people fall victim to cyber fraud, despite ongoing awareness campaigns. These emotional triggers continue to drive a large number of cases.
Authorities also stressed the importance of quick reporting. “If victims report the crime promptly within 1 hour, the lost money can be frozen immediately. This allows us to proceed legally and return the money to the victims,” a senior officer said.
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