12.71 Lakh Cyber Fraud Complaints in 6 Months: MHA Data Reveals Alarming Surge

New Delhi: India has witnessed a sharp rise in cyber-enabled financial crimes, with more than 12.71 lakh cyber fraud complaints reported across the country during the first six months of 2026, according to data reviewed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Between January 1 and June 30, 2026, victims reported financial losses of over ₹10,178 crore due to various online fraud schemes. The figures were discussed during a high-level review of the country’s cybercrime situation, highlighting the growing challenge posed by organised digital criminals.

Uttar Pradesh Records Highest Complaints, Maharashtra Suffers Maximum Losses

The state-wise data shows that Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of cyber fraud complaints, with around 1.85 lakh cases during the six-month period. Maharashtra followed with 1.58 lakh complaints, while Karnataka reported 1.21 lakh cases.

Other states with significant complaint numbers included Gujarat (97,937), Bihar (93,137), Rajasthan (75,883), West Bengal (72,439), Delhi (64,496), Tamil Nadu (63,116) and Haryana (58,721).

However, the highest financial damage was reported from Maharashtra, where alleged cyber fraud losses reached ₹1,637.66 crore. Karnataka recorded losses of ₹1,097.37 crore, followed by Tamil Nadu with ₹897.79 crore, Uttar Pradesh with ₹734.19 crore and Gujarat with ₹643.82 crore.

Online Investment Scams and Digital Arrest Frauds on Rise

Cybercrime investigators said criminals are increasingly combining technology with psychological manipulation to target victims. Common fraud patterns include fake investment schemes, digital arrest scams, phishing attacks, impersonation fraud, fake loan applications and malicious links shared through messaging platforms.

Experts believe cybercriminal networks are becoming more organised, using social engineering methods to exploit trust and urgency rather than relying only on technical hacking methods.

Banking System Helps Freeze Nearly ₹3,000 Crore

According to the data, around 2.86 lakh complaints were forwarded for banking intervention during the review period. Banks processed approximately 2.70 lakh complaints through the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System.

As part of preventive action, banks placed holds or liens on nearly ₹2,968.85 crore out of the reported losses of ₹10,178.97 crore. This represents an intervention rate of around 29 percent.

Despite these measures, recovering stolen funds remains a major challenge because cybercriminals often move money rapidly through multiple accounts and digital channels.

Long-Term Losses Highlight Growing Cyber Threat

The broader picture remains concerning. Between 2021 and May 2026, Indians reported cybercrime-related financial losses exceeding ₹64,447 crore. During this period, banks managed to freeze about ₹10,718 crore, but only around ₹323 crore was ultimately returned to victims.

Cybersecurity experts say the figures underline the need for faster reporting, improved coordination between banks and law enforcement agencies, and stronger public awareness about digital fraud prevention.

Experts Warn of Sophisticated Social Engineering Tactics

Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh said cybercriminal groups are increasingly using behavioural manipulation techniques to deceive people.

According to experts, scams involving fake investment advisors, impersonated officials, fraudulent banking calls, mule accounts and online relationship-based fraud are becoming more structured and professional.

They stressed that reducing cybercrime losses requires a combination of advanced security systems, financial monitoring, quick fund-freezing mechanisms and greater digital literacy among citizens.

Authorities have advised people to remain cautious while responding to unknown calls, messages or online offers, and to immediately report suspicious transactions through official cybercrime reporting channels.