Cybercrime in Karnataka: Over 1 lakh calls, but only around 20K FIRs

Cybercrime in Karnataka: Over 1 lakh calls, but only around 20K FIRs

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, February 10, 2025: The official record of money lost to cybercrimes in Karnataka may be just the tip of the iceberg.

Only 14% of complaint calls to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) led to the registration of FIRs, according to the data.

The 1930 toll-free number received 1,48,865 calls in 2024 (until November 30) but only 20,875 cybercrime FIRs were filed in the said period, leading to a conversion rate of just 14%. This percentage has been declining every year since 2021 (47% in 2021, 26% in 2022 and 24% in 2023).

The 1930 helpline was set up to receive cybercrime complaints and facilitate coordination between victims and banks.

It plays a crucial role in freezing the money lost when cybercrimes are reported early.

Against the backdrop of declining FIR conversion rates, Karnataka has witnessed a four-to-five-fold increase in financial losses due to cybercrimes since 2021.

Actual financial losses from cybercrimes could be more than twice the recorded figures. Karnataka lost Rs 2,900 crore to cybercrimes in 2024 and Rs 662 crore in 2023.

While Home Minister Parameshwara announced during the Belagavi session that the state would establish a dedicated cybercrime unit, led by a DGP-rank officer, the proposal remains on paper. Some investigators believe financial losses in unreported cases may be nominal as victims often show little interest in filing formal complaints.

MA Saleem, DGP, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), said data from 1930 callers did not provide an absolute measure of cybercrime incidents.

“One person can call the helpline multiple times, meaning that not all calls correspond to individual cybercrime cases,” he said.

But he acknowledged that the official figures for financial losses due to cybercrimes may be far lower than the actual numbers. Other investigators agree that there is significant room for improvement in cybercrime reporting and FIR registration. They highlight that many victims, who lose relatively small amounts, call the helpline but hesitate to visit a police station to file a formal complaint.

“Many victims mistakenly believe that calling the helpline alone is sufficient. However, 1930 is meant for reporting cybercrimes and seeking assistance. Victims must still visit a police station to file an official complaint,” a CID investigator said.

A DCP in Bengaluru pointed out that the “pride factor” also plays a role. Wealthier individuals often avoid visiting police stations.

Courtesy: Deccan Herald