Bengaluru has witnessed a surge in cybercrime, with recent incidents showcasing the alarming ingenuity of fraudsters. In one case, a tech professional lost Rs 2.80 crore after receiving a “gift” mobile phone with a new SIM card. The device, embedded with malicious apps, intercepted OTPs and bank alerts, allowing criminals to siphon funds, including fixed deposits, from his account. The victim reported the incident to Whitefield Central Police Station, spotlighting the city’s vulnerability to advanced cyber fraud.

In another shocking case, Bengaluru North East Division’s CEN police cracked a Rs 11 crore extortion scheme targeting techie Vijay Kumar. Fraudsters, posing as law enforcement and customs officials, coerced Kumar into sharing sensitive information and transferring Rs 2 lakh. They even obtained details about his U.S. company shares. Investigations traced Rs 7.5 crore to an account in Allahabad and linked the culprits to a gold merchant in Surat, Gujarat. The criminals had converted the stolen money into gold before vanishing.

These cases highlight Bengaluru’s escalating cybercrime challenges, urging both citizens and authorities to prioritize digital security. As fraudsters innovate their methods, the need for public awareness and stronger cybersecurity measures has never been more critical.