Between 2021 and 2023, Odisha experienced a significant cyber fraud issue, with scammers stealing over ₹125 crore from unsuspecting victims. However, the recovery efforts have been disappointing, as only about ₹2.77 crore—roughly 2% of the total amount lost—has been returned to the victims, according to data shared by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi in the state assembly.
The Chief Minister’s response in the assembly came just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised serious concerns about the increasing digital fraud across India during the closing session of the DGP/IGP conference held in the city.
The alarming figures highlight the ongoing challenges that law enforcement faces in combating digital fraud. Many cases go unreported, suggesting that the actual losses could be much higher. Police officials identified several key obstacles to recovering stolen funds: delays in reporting crimes, the use of fraudulent accounts, and slow responses from financial institutions.
A senior police officer emphasized the importance of timely reporting, stating that the sooner victims alert authorities, the better the chances of tracing the stolen money. Unfortunately, many victims wait too long to report incidents, allowing criminals to transfer funds through multiple accounts before law enforcement can intervene.
The majority of these scams involve tactics such as fake job offers, misleading investment schemes, and fraudulent online trading opportunities. One particularly concerning method is known as “digital arrest,” where criminals impersonate law enforcement or government officials to intimidate victims into transferring money. They often contact potential victims under the guise of courier company staff regarding suspicious parcels linked to their Aadhaar details and then arrange video calls with fake officers to pressure them.
Authorities urge anyone who falls victim to online fraud to report it immediately through the 1930 cyber helpline. This service can help coordinate with banks to block or recover defrauded funds more effectively.
