CYBER fraud cases have been reported most frequently from five police station areas in Bhopal in the first eight months of the year. Of 585 cases registered across 38 police station areas, residents collectively lost Rs 28.23 crore, according to police data. Ayodhya Nagar recorded the highest number of cases at 47, followed by Piplani and Kolar with 43 each, Bagsewania with 41 and Shahpura with 39. Together, these five areas accounted for 213 cases. Other areas report cases: Misrod recorded 31 cyber fraud cases, followed by Habibganj with 25 and Ashoka Garden with 24. The remaining police station areas accounted for 292 cases. The Crime Branch separately registered 44 cybercrime cases during the period. Golden hour helps recover money: Police consider the first one to two hours after a cyber fraud as the ‘golden hour’. Complaints received during this period allow cyber teams to try to prevent the money from being transferred further. Between January and August, police managed to place Rs 13.82 crore on hold, of which Rs 4.20 crore has been returned to victims. Fraud without OTP emerges: Police said that fraudsters are increasingly using methods that do not require victims to share an OTP. Earlier, common methods included impersonating bank officials, seeking OTPs for KYC updates, threatening electricity disconnection and conducting digital arrests through video calls. Fraudsters are now increasingly using third-party applications, APK files and screen-access tools to obtain access to mobile devices and banking information.

 

Cyber fraud rose in the year 2025: Bhopal recorded cyber fraud losses of Rs 53.41 crore in the year 2025, according to police data. Cyber teams had managed to put Rs 15.53 crore on hold and returned Rs 4.33 crore to victims. Police said the amount lost in the first eight months of the current year has already reached about 53% of the total reported loss in 2025. Police advise immediate reporting: Police have advised residents against downloading unknown links or APK files and sharing OTPs, PINs or passwords. People should also verify messages related to electricity bills and KYC before taking any action and immediately report threats made in the name of digital arrest. Call 1930 after fraud: Police advise victims to immediately call 1930 or file an online cybercrime complaint after a fraud. Early reporting gives cyber teams an opportunity to place the transferred funds on hold before they move through multiple accounts. Additional DCP (Crime Branch and Cyber) Shailendra Singh Chauhan said victims whose money has been held or frozen in bank accounts will no longer need to make repeated visits to the court, police station and bank for its recovery. Under the Money Restoration Module (MRM) portal, victims can apply online and submit an indemnity form. The cyber team will co-ordinate with the concerned bank through the portal to process the refund, while applicants will also be able to track the refund process and case status online.