The Navi Mumbai police is grappling with the sophisticated method active by cyber criminals, resulting in a staggering financial loss of Rs. 41.4 crore over the past 11 months. The Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate has recorded 323 cases of cyber fraud, shedding light on the growing threat posed by criminals exploiting online platforms.

The surge in cybercrime includes various tactics such as job scams, part-time job offers, enticing individuals with extra money for completing tasks, sextortion, money laundering, and other deceptive methods.

Online shoppers have also fallen victim to cybercriminals who employ deceptive tactics through messages on platforms like WhatsApp and luring individuals to engage in income-generating activities on YouTube. In some cases, criminals extract significant sums by gaining trust through initial payments.

The Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate has registered 323 cybercrime cases from January to November, with 49 cases successfully resolved. The Cyber Police unit has apprehended 15 suspects and frozen approximately Rs. 35.9 crore from their bank accounts through timely interventions.

The newly established Navi Mumbai Cyber Police Station, operational since August, has independently investigated 34 cybercrime cases in the last three months, revealing financial fraud amounting to Rs. 17.88 lakh. Technical investigations led to the identification of six criminal operations, resulting in the arrest of 15 individuals. Furthermore, the police successfully froze Rs. 35.9 crore from the implicated bank accounts.

Despite technological advancements, law enforcement faces challenges in apprehending cybercriminals, who often resume illegal activities after being released on bail. To address this issue, Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe has initiated a cyber-security awareness campaign to educate citizens and prevent cybercrimes.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Amit Kale, from the Crime Branch Navi Mumbai, issued an appeal to the public, urging caution against sharing personal information in response to part-time job advertisements on social media platforms. He emphasized the importance of not engaging in financial transactions or clicking on unfamiliar links, advising citizens to promptly contact the cyber police when encountering potential fraud.

The Navi Mumbai Police highlighted the need for vigilance, reminding citizens that genuine employers do not request money, and exorbitant returns on investment are often indicators of fraudulent schemes. The appeal concludes with a plea for individuals to refrain from sharing bank or card details with strangers, reinforcing the importance of proactive measures in the face of evolving cyber threats.