Cybercrime in Telangana sees 18% rise in 2024, citizens lose Rs. 1,866 crore to fraudsters
Cybercrime in Telangana sees 18% rise in 2024, citizens lose Rs. 1,866 crore to fraudsters

Cybercrime cases in Telangana have surged by 18% in 2024, with citizens losing a staggering Rs. 1,866 crore to fraudsters, averaging nearly Rs. 5 crore in losses every day.
The most prevalent forms of cyber fraud this year included business investment and stock scams, part-time job offers, digital arrest threats, fake customer care services, and debit and credit card fraud. The highest number of complaints came from Cyberabad, followed by Hyderabad and Rachakonda.
According to Shikha Goel, Director of Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), a total of 1,14,174 cyber fraud complaints were reported via the National Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP 1930) this year, up from 91,652 last year.
"Cybercrime has risen by 18% due to the increasing use of the internet and the evolving tactics of fraudsters," Goel explained.
Thanks to proactive measures, the bureau managed to block Rs. 244 crore in fraudulent transactions, and refunded Rs. 174 crore to victims. In total, 24,643 cybercrime cases were registered across the state, with 1,057 cybercriminals arrested in Telangana alone. Nationwide, the police apprehended 1,16,421 individuals involved in 19,653 cases.
In efforts to curb cybercrime, the TGCSB has blocked 14,984 SIM cards and 9,811 IMEI numbers. Blocking the IMEI renders the entire device useless, making it a more effective measure than blocking SIM cards alone, according to Goel.