Cybercrime Surge in Tamil Nadu: Digital Scams & Police Response

Cybercrime on the Rise in Tamil Nadu

Cybercrime has surged in Tamil Nadu, with ‘digital arrest’ and ‘online trading app’ scams becoming widespread. Official data reveals a significant increase in cybercrime cases, rising from 2,082 in 2022 to 4,121 in 2023, and further jumping to 5,385 in 2024. Despite this rise, Tamil Nadu police stated that only 3% of complaints lead to an FIR, while 50% result in Community Service Registers (CSRs).

Tamil Nadu ranks first in CSR filings and third in FIR registrations for cybercrime cases in India. However, the total number of complaints reported remains undisclosed. The low FIR rate is attributed to a Madras High Court order that allows courts to freeze fraudulent accounts and return part of the scammed amount without requiring an FIR. Complaints filed on the National Cyber Report Portal (NCRP) are often sufficient for action. Additionally, FIRs are primarily registered in cases involving large financial losses or organized crime networks.

Financial Loss and Investigative Challenges

Victims in Tamil Nadu lost an estimated ₹1673.85 crore in cybercrimes in 2024, with only 5% of the money recovered. Authorities link the increase in cyber fraud to the growing number of digital transactions, faster internet access, and global cybercrime networks operating from Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

Tamil Nadu’s cybercrime division has made significant arrests in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Punjab, and even identified a kingpin in Bangladesh. However, investigations remain challenging as tracking one case can take 10-15 days due to extensive financial trails and multiple bank accounts used for money laundering.

Law Enforcement Strategies and Preventive Measures

The Tamil Nadu police use data analytics, hotspot analysis, and predictive policing to detect cybercrime patterns and allocate resources efficiently. Cyber patrolling recently uncovered a fake website impersonating the National Cyber Crime Record Portal (NCCRP), preventing potential scams.

To reduce cyber fraud, authorities urge the public to:

• Verify online trading platforms before investing.
• Avoid suspicious links in messages and emails.
• Enable multi-factor authentication for banking.
• Report cyber fraud quickly on the NCRP portal.

With advanced policing techniques and increased awareness, Tamil Nadu aims to curb cybercrime and protect its citizens from digital fraud.