Belagavi residents faced a significant financial blow this year, losing ₹1,38,63,826 to digital arrest frauds, as revealed by Home Minister G. Parameshwara during the legislative council session on December 12. The alarming rise of scams, including the notorious ‘digital arrest’ frauds, highlights the pressing need for vigilance in combating cybercrime across Karnataka.
The city of Belagavi reported five cases, with a fraudulent amount of ₹79,13,826, of which only ₹6,66,654 has been recovered. The district added three more cases, involving ₹59,50,000, with recoveries amounting to ₹16,33,627. Collectively, the recovery rate remains dismal, reflecting a larger trend across the state.
Karnataka reported losses of ₹109 crore to digital frauds in 2024, with only ₹9.45 crore recovered. Out of the 641 cases of such fraud in the state, 480 were reported in Bengaluru, followed by Mysuru (24 cases) and Mangaluru (21 cases).
Digital arrest scams, a rising concern, involve fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials to manipulate victims into transferring large sums of money. Across India, over 42,000 digital fraud cases were reported last year, with Karnataka accounting for 11,000 cases, making it one of the most vulnerable states to cybercrime.
The Home Minister emphasized the importance of timely reporting, urging the public to use the 1930 helpline for immediate assistance in cyber fraud cases. Enhanced awareness and rapid response could prove pivotal in curbing these losses and improving recovery rates.