Mumbai: The rise of cybercrime across Maharashtra has become a major concern for law enforcement, as digital criminals tighten their grip in the online world. In the past few months alone, the state has recorded a sharp increase in cyber offenses — including 1,248 WhatsApp hacking cases that led to the arrest of 194 suspects. However, investigators admit that the cybercriminals’ technical expertise often gives them a decisive edge over the police.
From January to August 2025, cyber fraud cases in Maharashtra have resulted in financial losses of over ₹111.98 crore. A disturbing trend known as “digital arrest” scams has emerged, where criminals pose as police, income tax, or customs officers to threaten citizens into transferring money. In just eight months, 218 such cases were registered, but only 49 arrests have been made. Police investigations reveal that these offenders exploit personal information from social media, misuse bank details and one-time passwords (OTPs), and trick victims out of large sums of money.
According to the state’s Cyber Department, out of 5,309 cybercrime cases registered so far, investigations have been completed in about 1,200, leading to the arrest of 1,030 individuals. Yet, more than 61,000 cases dating back to 2020 remain under investigation, underscoring the massive workload and limited technical resources available to enforcement agencies.
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27 Oct 2025
Cybercrime Prevention: Stay Alert, Stay Secure
Deputy Inspector General of Maharashtra Cyber, Sanjay Shintre, has urged citizens to remain cautious, noting that cybercriminals often target senior citizens and those unfamiliar with digital systems.
What to Do if Your WhatsApp is Hacked:
- Immediately uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- Never share OTPs, verification codes, or Google codes with anyone.
- Enable two-step verification on your account.
- Do not respond to suspicious calls or messages.
- Inform your contacts right away.
- If you become a victim of fraud, call the National Cyber Helpline at 1930 or file a complaint online at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
In an increasingly digital world, understanding and wisely using technology is the only way to stay safe. Awareness and vigilance have become the true shields against modern-day cyber predators.
