Kolkata Sees 18 Percent Rise in Cybercrime Cases in Early 2025 as Scam Networks Expand

Police Warn Against OTP Fraud, Fake Job Offers and Cryptocurrency Scams

Kolkata has recorded a sharp 18% rise in reported cybercrime cases during the first four months of 2025, according to data released by the city’s Cyber Crime Police Division. The surge has been attributed to rising incidents of phishing, OTP frauds, fake job offers, and social media impersonation.

Police say that a large number of victims fall in the 18–35 age group, with most scams targeting smartphone users via SMS, WhatsApp, and Telegram.

Banking and UPI Frauds Lead the List

According to officials at Lalbazar Cyber Cell, over 620 cases between January and April 2025 were related to UPI-based banking fraud. Many victims were tricked into clicking malicious links disguised as KYC updates, insurance claims, or parcel delivery alerts.

“The fraudsters operate in organized modules, often from outside the state. They use cloned caller IDs and fast payment apps,” said an officer on condition of anonymity.

Fake Job and Loan Offers on the Rise

There’s been a threefold increase in cases where fraudsters offered fake government jobs, online data entry roles, or personal loans in exchange for registration fees or documents.

The police have traced multiple such scams to Jharkhand, Delhi NCR, and even international call centers.

Cryptocurrency Scams Enter the Scene

For the first time, crypto investment scams have made the top five categories of cyber complaints in Kolkata. Victims were lured into fake trading apps or international groups promising 200% returns within days.

Most of these schemes operate from outside India, often using WhatsApp bots or Telegram channels. Investigations are underway in collaboration with central cyber agencies.

What the Police Recommend

The Kolkata Police Cyber Cell has issued the following advisory:

• Never click on unknown links or share your OTP, PIN, or CVV

• Avoid sharing job or ID details via unsecured platforms

• Use official government portals only for recruitment or banking

• Enable two-factor authentication on all apps

Police have also launched a cybercrime reporting WhatsApp number (98308-11111) for faster complaints and tracking.

Crime Snapshot: Jan–Apr 2025 (Kolkata Cyber Division)