Mangaluru: Despite sustained awareness campaigns by the police department, cybercrime continues to rise at an alarming pace in Mangaluru, with a disturbing trend now drawing public attention — educated individuals are increasingly becoming victims of cyber fraud. Senior police officials have expressed serious concern that awareness alone has not been sufficient to stem the losses, which now run into lakhs and even crores of rupees on a daily basis.
Cybercrime, once perceived as targeting the less informed, has evolved into a sophisticated threat that exploits technology, trust and personal data. Police officials say that well-educated professionals, salaried employees, businesspersons and even retired government staff are falling into carefully crafted digital traps laid by cybercriminals.
Huge financial losses reported daily
According to senior officers in the city police, cyber fraud cases reported in recent months reveal staggering financial losses. “Every day, we are seeing cases where victims lose lakhs of rupees, and in some instances, even crores,” a senior official said, adding that many such cases involve people with strong educational backgrounds.
Cybercriminals are using advanced technological methods to gain unauthorised access to victims’ bank accounts. These include phishing calls, fake verification requests, malicious links, and misuse of biometric data. Police officials said that fraudsters are constantly upgrading their techniques, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to identify fraudulent activity in time.
Aadhaar-linked fraud a growing challenge
One of the most worrying aspects of the current cybercrime wave is the misuse of Aadhaar-linked services. In today’s digital ecosystem, Aadhaar numbers are commonly linked to mobile numbers and bank accounts, making them a crucial gateway to financial transactions and government services.
Police have noted a sharp rise in cases where Aadhaar details and fingerprints are allegedly stolen or misused, leading to unauthorised withdrawals from bank accounts. To avail of various welfare schemes and essential services, citizens are required to provide Aadhaar numbers and biometric details, including fingerprints. These fingerprints are also collected during mobile SIM card purchases and banking procedures.
There is growing concern that biometric data collected at public service centres, banks, cyber cafés, and other establishments may be leaking and reaching cybercriminal networks. “Once biometric data is compromised, it becomes extremely dangerous, because fingerprints are permanent and cannot be changed like passwords,” a cyber expert explained.
Direct hacking of Aadhaar data reported
In some cases, cyber fraudsters are suspected to have directly hacked Aadhaar-related data systems to siphon money from linked bank accounts. Cyber experts warn that Aadhaar biometric data is highly confidential, and any breach can result in not just financial loss but also long-term identity theft.
“Fingerprints are our unique identity. If biometric data falls into the wrong hands, the damage can be far-reaching,” experts said. Such breaches can allow criminals to impersonate victims, access financial services, and even misuse personal information for illegal activities.
The rapid pace of technological advancement has increased convenience but has also exposed citizens to new vulnerabilities. As cybercrime evolves daily, even tech-savvy individuals are finding it difficult to stay ahead of fraudsters.
Police intensify awareness efforts
The city police department has been actively disseminating information on cyber fraud prevention at the police station level and through social media platforms. Regular advisories, awareness programmes and digital campaigns are being conducted to educate the public about emerging fraud techniques.
Mangaluru city police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said that while the department continues its efforts, public vigilance remains crucial. “People must be cautious and alert. Calls related to Aadhaar or fingerprint verification should be ignored. Any call or message that lacks clarity or creates urgency should not be responded to,” he said.
He further emphasised that no government agency or bank seeks sensitive details such as OTPs, Aadhaar numbers or biometric information over phone calls or messages.
Steps citizens can take to protect themselves
Cyber experts and police officials have outlined several preventive measures that citizens can adopt to safeguard themselves against cyber fraud. One of the most effective steps is locking Aadhaar biometrics through the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app. Biometrics should be unlocked only when absolutely necessary and relocked immediately after use.
Regular monitoring of bank account transactions is essential to detect any unauthorised activity at the earliest. Citizens are advised to avoid clicking on suspicious links, responding to unknown calls, or downloading unverified applications.
Special caution should be exercised while providing fingerprints at cyber centres, banks, or photocopy shops when making Aadhaar card copies. Sharing OTPs, Aadhaar details or banking credentials with anyone can result in instant financial loss.
In case of any suspected fraud, police urge citizens to report it immediately by calling the national cybercrime helpline number 1930, which can help in freezing transactions if reported promptly.
Conclusion
The growing incidence of cyber fraud among educated individuals highlights the urgent need for heightened digital awareness and personal responsibility. While the police continue to strengthen enforcement and awareness mechanisms, experts stress that individual caution is the first line of defence. In an increasingly connected world, protecting personal data, especially biometric information, has become essential to safeguarding one’s financial and personal security.