As internet usage continues to surge, so does the prevalence of cybercrimes in Navi Mumbai. Disturbingly, only a fraction of these cybercrimes are successfully detected and resolved. In 2022, a total of 207 cyber crimes were reported in the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate, with only 54 leading to arrests. In the first nine months of 2023, an alarming 225 cyber crimes have been registered, of which just 42 have been solved. These cybercriminals have swindled crores of rupees from unsuspecting victims. In response to this rising menace, Navi Mumbai Police has launched an extensive cybersecurity awareness campaign aimed at educating citizens and thwarting these cyber dens.

The proliferation of internet usage has provided cybercriminals with ample opportunities to execute various fraudulent schemes. These encompass scams related to insurance policies, sextortion, bank fraud, crypto trading, credit card fraud, job offers, impersonation, loan scams, fake utility bills, cashback frauds via mobile OTP, and posing as authorised representatives of popular mobile wallet companies like Paytm and PhonePe. Fraudsters are tricking individuals into making payments, scanning QR codes, and divulging UPI PINs. They are even planting fake customer care numbers on websites related to shopping, matrimony, and food, further expanding their fraudulent activities.

Furthermore, cybercriminals are leveraging online dating and social media platforms to establish relationships with vulnerable individuals, particularly lonely or divorced women. They shower these individuals with expensive gifts before turning the tables and extracting money from them. In some cases, cybercriminals are sending links to apps like AnyDesk, Quick Support, and TeamViewer via WhatsApp, prompting victims to download them. This allows the criminals to take control of the victims' mobile phones and siphon money from their bank accounts. These audacious cybercriminals are plundering crores of rupees from innocent citizens with each passing day.

The Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate has reported 225 cybercrimes in the first nine months of this year. These crimes span various categories, including 37 related to social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram. Additionally, there were 42 cases related to AnyDesk, Quick Support, Teamviewer-15, Insurance Policy-3, Sextortion-1, Bank Fraud-34, Crypto Trading-11, Credit Card-7, Job Task-35, Impersonation-15, Army Account-2, Loan App-15, Light Bill-8, and others-45. Only 42 of these crimes have been solved to date, highlighting the significant challenge law enforcement faces.

With most financial transactions now occurring online, the lack of awareness about online banking and digital applications has made citizens vulnerable to cybercrimes. The Navi Mumbai Police strongly urges citizens to exercise caution and acquire comprehensive knowledge about using online applications and modern technology.

In response to the surge in cybercrimes, Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe has launched a comprehensive cyber security awareness campaign. The campaign, which began in Vashi, seeks to combat the escalating cybercrime rates by educating citizens about cyber threats and safety measures.

Comparison Chart of Cybercrimes  in Two Years