Gujarat sees surge in cyber fraud; 1.5 lakh victims, seniors most affected

Gujarat has emerged as a major target for international cyber fraudsters, with nearly 1.5 lakh people falling victim to online scams over the past year, according to recent estimates. Around 45% of the victims are senior citizens, underlining their growing vulnerability in an increasingly digital environment.

Sharp rise in cyber fraud cases

Cyber fraud cases across Gujarat and India have risen sharply, registering an 89% increase since 2020. Experts attribute the surge to a mix of fear tactics, inducements of quick financial gain, and gaps in digital awareness.

Fraudsters commonly rely on urgency and manipulation to deceive victims. Tactics include fake calls about bank account suspension or blocked pensions, promises of high investment returns, impersonation of officials or bank representatives, and other forms of social engineering.

Many victims do not report such incidents due to embarrassment or lack of awareness, allowing perpetrators to continue operating unchecked.

Why senior citizens are most vulnerable

Senior citizens account for a disproportionate share of victims. Contributing factors include limited familiarity with digital platforms, emotional vulnerability, anxiety about financial security, and a higher tendency to trust callers.

Fraudsters often build trust before persuading victims to transfer large sums of money.

Concerns over enforcement and data security

Despite the rise in cases, concerns persist over the effectiveness of cyber policing and preventive measures. Questions remain about how fraudsters access sensitive banking and personal data.

Separately, repeated bomb threats sent via emails have triggered public concern, with critics questioning the speed of response in tracing those responsible.

Advisory: How to stay safe online

Authorities and experts urge citizens to remain cautious:

Avoid sharing OTPs, PINs or personal details

Do not click on suspicious links

Verify identities before trusting callers

Use strong, private passwords

Take time to assess situations instead of acting in haste

Growing need for awareness

With Gujarat increasingly on the radar of cyber criminals, experts stress that improving public awareness and digital literacy is critical. Individual vigilance remains the first line of defence against cybercrime.