In the early days of digital banking, cyber fraud had a relatively clear face -- a suspicious phone call asking for confidential details or a one-time password. The warning was straightforward - do not share sensitive information. Today, however, that advice alone is no longer sufficient. Cybercrime has evolved beyond simple deception into a far more sophisticated, data-driven and psychologically precise operation, where victims may not even realise they are being targeted until it is too late. Baliram Sutar, Police Inspector at the Nagpur Cyber Cell, said that the nature of cybercrime has evolved significantly over the years.

 

“Earlier, it used to involve people unknowingly sharing sensitive information with scammers, but now even that is not required. All it takes is clicking on the wrong link or entering your information on a suspicious website, and your data will be in the hands of these scammers,” he explained. According to Sutar, modern cyber fraud often relies less on direct interaction and more on exploiting digital behaviour. He highlighted emerging concerns linked to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Many people upload their photographs to AI-based applications that generate cartoons or stylish portraits. In doing so, users are voluntarily sharing personal data without fully understanding how that information could be potentially misused.

 

The risks extend to routine online activities such as shopping. Sutar advised that consumers must restrict themselves to verified and legitimate websites or applications. Even if a platform does not immediately defraud a user, entering credit or debit card details, or making payments through net banking on unsecured or suspicious websites, exposes sensitive financial information to cyber-criminals. Online gaming and betting platforms are fraud tactics that are being used by scammers. Users may receive small initial payments, around Rs 200 or Rs 300 to build trust and keep them engaged. Later, money may be taken without consent or users may be asked to deposit larger sums, which are eventually frozen. Quick money-making schemes, such as being paid to post fake reviews or comments, follow the same pattern: small early payments create trust, followed by larger financial losses. As Sutar noted, in the current environment, no one is distributing free money.

 

He emphasised that cyber frauds do not happen in isolation. Just as one would only allow trusted friends or relatives into their home, the same principle should apply to digital devices. Users must avoid clicking on links or downloading files from unknown numbers. Files ending in ‘.apk’ install malware on devices and compromise personal data. In the era of digital world, awareness remains the first and most effective line of defence. Share market frauds are common scams One of the most common cyber frauds at present relates to share market investments. Many people research the market by watching videos and tutorials before investing. Fraudsters exploit this by using misleading links.

 

When someone clicks this, it allows them to access phone numbers and other personal details. Victims may receive WhatsApp calls offering ‘free consultations’ to appear credible, or they may be directly added to WhatsApp or Telegram groups. In these groups, fraudsters post fabricated screenshots of profits to build trust. Initially, small returns may be shown, but when larger sums are invested, victims are shown inflated profits that cannot be withdrawn. To prevent this, only trust platforms verified by The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).