Ghaziabad is reportedly losing approximately ₹25 lakh daily to cyber scams, according to recent news reports. Since the establishment of the dedicated cyber police station in February 2024, residents have reported losses totaling ₹45.75 crore in just the first half of the year. While authorities have managed to freeze ₹10.98 crore of these stolen funds, a significant portion remains unrecovered, leaving many victims without recourse and emboldening cybercriminals.
The high volume of daily losses underscores a widespread issue involving various scams targeting vulnerable populations. Notably, cases of “digital arrest” scams have emerged, where victims are coerced into transferring large sums under false pretenses. For instance, a retired government official was duped of ₹60 lakh after being falsely accused of money laundering, while a 55-year-old woman was extorted of ₹56 lakh over 28 days through similar tactics.
The fact that authorities are only recovering a fraction of the losses indicates challenges in tracking down perpetrators and recovering stolen funds. These crimes often transcend state borders, complicating investigations and highlighting the need for more effective prevention strategies, increased public awareness campaigns, and improved law enforcement capabilities to combat cybercrime in the district.
How can the public be better educated to identify and avoid common scams? What steps can be taken to improve the recovery rate of funds lost to cyber fraud?"