NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that citizens filed approximately 65.9 lakh cyber-fraud complaints over the last five years, resulting in a total loss of Rs 55,659 crore. These complaints were registered through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), which are operated by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).

Annual Figures Show Significant Increase in Complaints

In a response given during a session in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, junior home minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar highlighted a marked increase in the number of cyber-fraud complaints. The year 2025 alone saw over 24 lakh complaints, a notable rise from 19.2 lakh in 2024, 13.1 lakh in 2023, 6.9 lakh in 2022, and 2.6 lakh in 2021.

Financial Losses Due to Cyber Fraud

The financial implications of these cyber fraud incidents have also escalated sharply. The annual loss reported through the NCRP and CFCFRMS surged from Rs 551 crore in 2021 to Rs 22,495 crore in 2025. This figure, however, is less than the Rs 22,848 crore reported in 2024.

Preventive Measures and Recoveries

In light of these alarming statistics, Kumar noted that the CFCFRMS had effectively prevented over Rs 8,189 crore from being fraudulently acquired, as part of actions taken on a total of 23.6 lakh complaints. This highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to mitigate losses and enhance financial security for citizens.

Future Outlook on Cyber Fraud

The increasing trend in cyber-fraud complaints and the associated financial losses underscore the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and public awareness campaigns. The government continues to focus on strengthening its response to cybercrime and ensuring better protection for citizens against these fraudulent activities.