Most cyber frauds below ₹5 lakh in Gujarat end with refunds, not FIRs

Cyber frauds in Gujarat have surged sharply, outpacing almost all other categories of crime. Yet, official data reveals that only about 40% of victims manage to get a First Information Report (FIR) registered, while the majority of low-value frauds are handled through online complaint and refund mechanisms.

Under the current system, cases involving fraud below ₹5 lakh are not directly registered as FIRs. Instead, victims can call the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, where authorities attempt to freeze and refund the stolen money. 

If the refund is not processed within a stipulated period, the matter is transferred to the local police station for further investigation.

However, only cybercrime branches in major cities and districts handle cases involving more than ₹5 lakh, leaving smaller cases often uninvestigated. As a result, experts say, petty cyber frauds are on the rise across the state.

Despite continuous awareness drives and financial safety campaigns, cybercrime remains a growing challenge nationwide. The Centre’s dedicated portal and helpline have helped many victims recover their money — but not all.

According to officials, about 60% of cyber fraud cases reported through the national portal prompt some form of action, and around half of those victims successfully get their money back. However, this still leaves nearly 40,000 victims in Gujarat each year who fail to recover their funds, even after timely reporting.

If the stolen amount cannot be refunded promptly, the case is automatically forwarded to the local police, which then registers a formal FIR. Yet, many complainants allege that smaller fraud cases often receive delayed or incomplete investigations.

1.21 lakh cyber fraud victims in Gujarat in 2023

Official figures show that in 2023, 1,21,710 people from Gujarat reported cyber fraud through the national portal. Of these, only 49,220 complaints were converted into FIRs at police stations or cybercrime branches.

Victims across the state collectively lost an estimated ₹650.53 crore to online scams last year. Police managed to freeze about ₹156.9 crore, but this amount has yet to be refunded to the affected citizens.

Officials say the system aims to ensure swift refunds and reduce the burden on police, but the growing number of unresolved low-value frauds highlights the need for stronger follow-up mechanisms and accountability in cybercrime investigations.