India Faces Alarming Surge in Online Fraud: ₹8,500 Crore Lost in First Half of 2025

In the six months from January to June 2025, ₹8,500 crore was lost through online frauds, the Union Home Ministry and the Cyber Crime Branch said in a statement in Delhi.

This news comes as the rise in digital money transactions has led to an increase in such online money thefts.

This fraud is being done through UPI transactions and online money transactions and QR codes.

Money Laundering Details:

Such online money thefts have lost ₹8,500 crore through online frauds only from January to June 30.

More than 47 crore people are losing money every day.

Such theft is being carried out by thieves from countries like Thailand and Cambodia targeting Indian people.

This theft is done in the following ways:

Phishing emails and calls
OTP and social media information manipulation
Fake customer care calls
Loan scams
Investment apps

Especially when someone’s mobile phones are hacked, they share a fake application link with all their relatives and friends and work groups.

Generally, they upload a fake application like the Central and State Assin Application.

Due to this, the number of people downloading this application is high.

Most affected states

Maharashtra
Uttar Pradesh
Karnataka
Delhi
Telangana

All these crimes are reported only through the cybercrime.gov.in cyber crime portal.

Government measures

The 24×7 helpline called 1930 helps people prevent cyber crimes.

Creating awareness campaigns like #CyberSafeIndia

Blocking fake bank accounts and SIM cards in collaboration with mobile and banks

Blocking fake apps and websites

Ways to protect your money

Do not share your bank’s ATM CVV number and OTP with anyone
Download websites and apps only after verifying them, especially shopping and money transfer apps
Do not trust untrusted numbers claiming to be from the government or banks
Do not use any links or apps that prompt you to buy food online.
If your mobile is hacked, immediately uninstall the last app you used.
If possible, go to settings – Apps and force stop the app and clear the cache.
Turn off your internet before the thieves take the next step
If possible, remove the sim card and switch off the phone.
This will prevent you from using messages or OTP and Whatsapp from your phones.
As soon as the money leaves your bank account, file a complaint through your bank tollfree number. If the bank is open during working hours, contact the bank employee.
Most of the thefts from your business happen on Saturdays and Sundays when there is no bank.
If you are a victim of fraud, call 1930. Or you can report it through the website cybercrime.gov.in.

A warning for India’s digital security

The amount of money theft has doubled in the first six months of this year compared to 2024.

The central government says that the government cannot provide personal information to identify the unidentified dead, but the Adaar information of 100 people was sold for Rs 100 on darkweb websites.

Such mistakes would be reduced if banks or the government did not entrust the recording of information to private individuals. People should also be aware.