Mysuru has been identified as one of the top five districts in Karnataka most targeted by cybercriminals, according to official data presented in the state legislature. The city finds itself in alarming company alongside Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Tumakuru, and Vijayapura districts.
Financial Motive Drives Surge in Online Fraud
Home Minister G Parameshwara informed the Legislative Assembly during the recent Belagavi session that these five districts reported a disproportionately high number of cybercrimes. The revelation came in response to a query raised by MLA Rizwan Arshad. The primary driver behind this escalating threat, as cited by authorities, is the pursuit of financial gain by fraudsters.
Over recent years, criminals have increasingly turned to the digital space to deceive residents and bank customers. Official figures paint a stark picture for Mysuru: in 2025 alone, victims lost nearly Rs 43 crore to various online scams. Police analysis links this surge directly to two key factors: expanded digital usage and a concerning lack of public awareness regarding online safety protocols.
Evolving Tactics and Rising Financial Damage
Mysuru City has solidified its status as a hotspot for cyber offences, with fraudulent activities spreading across banking, e-commerce, and social media platforms. Criminals employ sophisticated methods including phishing emails, fake customer support calls, and cloned websites to steal passwords and drain bank accounts dry.
A notable and worrying trend highlighted by law enforcement is the changing nature of these crimes. While the number of registered cybercrime cases has decreased, the total financial loss has increased. For instance, Mysuru recorded about 177 cases in 2025 (down from 274 in 2024), but the monetary damage remained devastatingly high at Rs 43 crore (compared to Rs 47.5 crore in 2024). This indicates that although incidents may be fewer, criminals are now aiming for and securing much larger sums per attack.
This year itself saw two significant cases where a woman and a self-employed man collectively lost Rs 1.9 crore to cybercrooks, underscoring the severe financial impact on individuals.
Police Response and Public Awareness Drive
In response to this growing menace, authorities have initiated public awareness campaigns. These drives, conducted in public spaces, urge citizens to stay vigilant, verify the authenticity of links and messages, and never share personal or banking details with unverified sources.
A police officer emphasized that stronger personal security practices and faster reporting of incidents to the authorities can significantly help in reducing losses. The public is advised to treat unsolicited communication with extreme caution and to enable all available security features on their financial and social media accounts.
The data from Mysuru serves as a critical warning for the entire state, highlighting that cybercriminals are refining their strategies for maximum profit, making digital literacy and caution more important than ever.
