Vulnerability to cyber fraud is not confined to the digitally illiterate. Discuss in the light of recent survey evidence.

NCRB data show that registered cybercrime rose 17.9%, from 86,420 cases in 2023 to 1,01,928 in 2024, even as overall crime fell 6% [1]. Recent survey evidence suggests the risk reaches well beyond people with poor digital skills.

Survey evidence: exposure is widespread

• The Lokniti–CSDS and Common Cause survey covered 8,306 citizens in 16 States. It found that people who spend more time online are more likely to be targeted, whatever their digital skills [1].
• 33% of respondents often get fake delivery calls, and 31% regularly get calls offering high investment returns [1].

Survey evidence: losses skew towards the better-off

• Wealthier and more educated respondents were more likely to report losing money to fraud [1].
• Reasons:
• More digital transactions and larger balances make them attractive targets.
• Fake investment offers target people who invest [1].
• Digital arrest scams exploit fear of authority. The government had to run a national awareness campaign against them [2].

Why the digitally illiterate still remain at risk

• Under-reporting: fraud is chronically under-reported, and less-aware victims may not recognise small losses as crime. The survey gap is partly about who reports [1].
• Mule accounts: gangs rent the bank accounts of ordinary people to move stolen money. The account holders can then face legal action, including arrest [3]. By December 2025, 26.48 lakh such first-layer accounts had been flagged to banks [4].

Way forward

• Stop fraud before it happens: expand the I4C Suspect Registry, which has already helped decline transactions worth ₹9,055 crore [4].
• Speed up recovery: promote the 1930 helpline and CFCFRMS, which have saved over ₹8,690 crore across 24.65 lakh complaints [5].
• Targeted awareness: reach salaried people and investors as well as the elderly and rural users. Add warnings against renting out bank accounts.
• Measure the hidden crime: run a regular official victimisation survey alongside NCRB data.

Vulnerability to cyber fraud has two layers. Time online decides who gets targeted, and wealth and transaction volume decide who loses money. Digital literacy on its own cannot protect people. A mix of stopping payments early, quick reporting and awareness aimed at the right groups can make India's digital economy safe for all, in line with SDG 16's goal of safe and inclusive institutions.