Published: 20 February 2026The PrintGovernance
Cybercrime in India Rose 24% in 2025; ₹22,495 Crore Lost — Investment Scams 76% of Losses
Data released in February 2026 revealed that cybercrime in India recorded a 24% spike in 2025, with total complaints rising to 28.15 lakh cases from 22.68 lakh in 2024. Indians lost ₹22,495 crore, with investment scams accounting for 76% of total financial losses and 35% of all reported cases.
Other major threat categories include sextortion (19% of cases) and 'digital arrest' scams (6%). India now has 459 dedicated cybercrime police stations, up from 169 in 2020. The I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre) has blocked fraudulent transactions worth over ₹8,031 crore. The report highlighted growing vulnerability of digital users in Tier-2/3 cities and the use of AI deepfakes for scams.
Mains angle
Question: Analyse the 24% surge in Indian cybercrime in 2025 and evaluate institutional responses by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.
Answer (50 words): February 2026 data showed cybercrime complaints rising to 28.15 lakh from 22.68 lakh in 2024, with losses of ₹22,495 crore; investment scams contributed 76% of losses. Sextortion (19%) and digital arrest scams (6%) followed. I4C blocked ₹8,031 crore in fraud, while 459 cyber police stations now operate.
6-axis classification
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How many new proposals were approved by MeitY under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme?
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Frequently asked questions
By how much did cybercrime rise in India in 2025?
Cybercrime in India recorded a **24% spike in 2025**, with total complaints rising to **28.15 lakh cases** from **22.68 lakh in 2024**. Indians lost **₹22,495 crore**, with **investment scams accounting for 76%** of total financial losses.
What types of cybercrime caused the most financial losses in India in 2025?
**Investment scams** accounted for **76% of total financial losses** and 35% of all reported cases in 2025. Other major threats included **sextortion (19% of cases)** and **'digital arrest' scams (6%)** — where fraudsters impersonate officials and demand money.
What is a 'digital arrest' scam in India?
A **'digital arrest' scam** is a form of cyber fraud where criminals impersonate **law enforcement officers, CBI, or ED officials** in video calls, falsely accuse victims of money laundering or criminal activity, and demand money to avoid 'arrest'. PM Modi has personally warned citizens about this scam.
How many cybercrime police stations does India have?
India has **459 dedicated cybercrime police stations**, upgraded from the earlier figure, to handle the surge in digital fraud cases. The government operates the **National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in)** and **helpline 1930** for reporting cybercrimes.
What measures has India taken to combat rising cybercrime?
India's measures include: **459 dedicated cybercrime stations**; **National Cybercrime Reporting Portal**; **helpline 1930**; **I4C (Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre)**; freezing mule accounts through the **Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System**; and public awareness campaigns by PM Modi on digital arrest scams.
