Catch me if you can: Why convicting cyber criminals & online fraudsters is a challenge

NCRB data shows that cyber fraud is increasing in non-metropolitan cities. In fact, in the 19 metro cities which have a population above two million, the number of cyber fraud cases recorded is somewhat plateauing. But other cities and towns are seeing a sharp increase in these crimes, recording 9813 cases in 2021, compared to 4194 cases seen in that same year in metro cities. 

This is happening at a time when people are increasingly relying on the internet for day-to-day activities, including financial transactions. This reliance is also encouraged by the government, through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. 

But is this creating fertile ground for criminals behind the screen? In this episode, The Hindu discusses what might be causing this rise in non-urban cyber fraud, and how you can protect yourself online.