Kolkata Suffers Massive Rs 482 Crore Loss to Cyber Fraud Over Two Years
In a stark revelation, Kolkata has incurred a staggering financial loss of approximately Rs 482 crore due to cyber fraud across the years 2024 and 2025. According to police data, the city lost around Rs 274 crore in 2024, followed by Rs 208 crore in 2025. While the figures show a slight decline, the human impact remains devastating, with a shocking 80 per cent of all cybercrime victims in Kolkata being senior citizens. Many of these elderly individuals are targeted through sophisticated schemes such as "digital arrests" and investment scams, highlighting a growing vulnerability among this demographic.
Police Launch Digital Prahari Initiative to Combat Rising Cyber Threats
To address this escalating crisis, the Kolkata Police have introduced Digital Prahari, a comprehensive 24/7 initiative designed to provide immediate assistance and protection for citizens navigating the digital landscape. Commissioner of Police Supratim Sarkar emphasized the urgency, stating, "In cybercrime, time is our greatest enemy. As cyber fraudsters operate around the clock, it is necessary for us to remain active within the same time frame. There is also the concept of a 'golden hour' in cybercrime, as once a person is duped, the money is transferred very quickly through mule accounts."
This new facility aims to capitalize on the "golden hour"—the critical period immediately after a fraud occurs when funds can still be traced and frozen before disappearing into fraudulent accounts. Victims can now dial the toll-free helpline at 1800-345-0066 or the national number 1930 for instant guidance. The helpline goes beyond merely recording complaints; it actively assists victims through the complex processes of:
- Blocking funds to prevent further loss.
- Obtaining necessary court orders for legal action.
- Coordinating with banks and local divisional cyber cells to facilitate money recovery.
- Providing support for hacked social media accounts, such as WhatsApp or Facebook, to help users regain digital control.
Enhanced Awareness and Recovery Efforts Through Cyber Pass Newsletter
Recognizing that awareness is a key defense against evolving cyber threats like AI-generated deepfakes and fake booking websites, the police have also launched "cyber pass", a monthly newsletter. This publication offers updates on the latest tactics used by fraudsters and provides professional advice on safe banking and internet practices. It includes specific dos and don'ts tailored for high-risk groups, particularly senior citizens, to empower them with knowledge and preventive measures.
Deputy Commissioner of Cyber, Abhishek Modi, elaborated on the helpline's role, saying, "You can call the toll-free number directly, and we will guide you step-by-step. Next is money restoration. Many victims don't understand what to do after reporting a crime to 1930. They don't know how much money has been blocked and how much they will get back... We will send the court order to the bank, the local police station, and the local divisional cyber cell, and then the money will be recovered." He added that the helpline is especially crucial during non-office hours, such as nights and weekends, when victims might feel helpless.
Blocking Cell and Improved Recovery Rates Show Positive Trends
In addition to the helpline, the police are establishing a dedicated blocking cell that will maintain a repository of fraudulent resources, including phone numbers, handset IMEI numbers, malicious URLs, and fake websites. This cell will collaborate with central authorities like the Department of Telecommunications, as well as tech giants such as Google and social media platforms, to permanently block assets used by cybercriminals.
The efforts are yielding results, with the recovery rate for defrauded money showing significant improvement. In 2024, the recovery rate stood at 10 per cent, but it surged to 18 per cent in 2025, indicating the effectiveness of these new measures. This progress underscores the importance of timely intervention and coordinated action in mitigating the financial and emotional toll of cyber fraud on Kolkata's residents, especially its elderly population.
