Kerala is fertile ground for cyber frauds; Ernakulam takes first place, followed by Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala Becomes a Hotspot for Cyber Scams; Ernakulam Ranks First, Followed by Thiruvananthapuram
A study report has revealed that Kerala is highly vulnerable to cyber fraud. According to the report, approximately ₹1 crore is lost every day due to online scams. Over the past three years, cyber fraudsters operating in Kerala have siphoned off more than ₹1,000 crore through various online scams. Official data indicates that between 2022 and 2024, cyber criminals in the state looted ₹1,021 crore.

In the last year alone, scammers swindled ₹763 crore from Kerala. While Malayalis lost ₹48 crore in 2022, the amount surged to ₹210 crore in 2023. Ernakulam district alone accounted for ₹174 crore in losses, making it the worst-affected district in the state. Thiruvananthapuram follows closely, with losses amounting to ₹114 crore in 2024.

With the rise in digital financial crimes, the State Police Chief has reportedly sent a letter to the Reserve Bank of India and the Union Home Ministry, urging policy changes and technological interventions to curb cyber fraud.