In Pune, cybercrime is on the rise, with data revealing a concerning spike of over 16% reported cases compared to the same period last year. As of August 18, a total of 22,671 cybercrime cases have been registered in Pune, up from 19,500 cases during the corresponding period in the previous year.
Local police stations in the city have been inundated with complaints related to online scams, social media offenses, and data breaches. Cybercriminals are continuously evolving their tactics to deceive individuals through various forms of online fraud. Previously, the police saw a surge in cases involving fraud through platforms like OLX, but now, more people are falling victim to online schemes, including fraudulent online tasks and offers on platforms like Telegram that promise quick money.
Last year, the number of reported cybercrime cases rose from 19,000 in 2021 to 19,500. To manage the escalating workload, Pune’s city police established cyber cells at each police station, in addition to the existing cyber police station, which was overwhelmed with complaints.
Even educated individuals, including software engineers, have become targets of online task fraud. Law enforcement agencies have issued warnings to the public, urging them not to trust unverified online platforms and emphasizing the importance of secure payment practices during online transactions. The police are actively working to combat cybercrime and encourage vigilance among residents to protect themselves from falling victim to these digital threats.
