Bengaluru, often hailed as India’s Silicon Valley, has been grappling with a staggering surge in cybercrime, with losses amounting to a colossal sum of Rs 141.94 crore over the past 18 months. The rise of cyber fraud cases has generated deep concern among the residents, as an average of 15 individuals from the city fall victim to cyber thieves daily, resulting in the loss of lakhs of rupees each.
Despite numerous victims filing complaints at the cyber crime station, the chances of recovering their funds seem bleak. The sheer scale of the issue is alarming, with an astonishing loss of Rs 76.94 crore in 2022 alone, followed by an additional Rs 65 crore within the past six months of 2023. This mounting figure illustrates the extent to which cyber thieves are exploiting the digital vulnerabilities of the populace, leaving a trail of financial devastation in their wake.
Unfortunately, the response from law enforcement, specifically the police, has been perceived as inadequate, exacerbating the distress of those affected. The lack of visible operations and progress in the investigation process has led to disillusionment among the victims, who feel neglected and unheard.
The plight of those who have fallen victim to these fraudulent schemes underscores the urgency for stronger preventive measures and more efficient mechanisms for the pursuit and prosecution of cyber criminals. As technology continues to evolve, there is an immediate call for an integrated approach from both the authorities and the public to safeguard the digital ecosystem from the ever-looming threat of cyber fraud.
