Visakhapatnam, May 30, 2023: Despite the relentless efforts of the local police to raise awareness among residents, the number of cybercrime cases in Visakhapatnam continues to soar. Between January and May this year alone, over 200 cases have been reported, with a staggering 70 percent of them related to financial crimes.
Online fraudsters have been preying on unsuspecting victims, causing them to lose their hard-earned money. Shockingly, many of the victims are educated individuals employed in the technology sector. The Cybercrimes Police Station in Visakhapatnam recorded a total of 316 cases in 2021, resulting in a loss of approximately 7.9 crore rupees. The situation escalated further in 2022, with the number of cybercrime cases skyrocketing to 600.
K. Bhavani Prasad, Inspector of Police at the Cybercrimes Police Station, expressed his concerns regarding the tech-savvy nature of these cyber crooks, who continuously devise new methods to deceive innocent people. In almost 99 percent of the cases, the accused perpetrators operated from other states, making it incredibly challenging for the local police to apprehend them. The lack of support from the police in those states has further hindered their efforts, lamented Inspector Prasad.
The modus operandi of these fraudsters often involves creating fake profiles and enticing potential buyers with promises of selling items at significantly reduced prices. This network of cyber criminals is known to be well-organized in northern states. In one instance, the fraudsters employed various bank accounts to transfer money, distributing the funds to different locations, complicating the investigation for the police.
The increasing number of cybercrime cases in Visakhapatnam calls for an urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity measures and collaboration between law enforcement agencies across different states. The police authorities are actively working towards addressing these challenges and ensuring the safety of the city’s residents. Public awareness campaigns will be intensified to educate individuals about the evolving tactics employed by cyber criminals, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves from falling victim to these schemes.
The fight against cybercrime requires a joint effort from the police, government, and the general public. By staying vigilant, adopting secure online practices, and reporting any suspicious activities promptly to the authorities, residents can play an instrumental role in curbing the rising tide of cybercrime in Visakhapatnam.