In a significant breakthrough against cybercrime, the Mumbai Cyber Police, along with the 1930 Cyber Helpline and the Crime Branch, successfully secured more than Rs 101.39 crore lost to online fraud between January and May. This achievement is crucial as cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to target citizens. However, quick reporting by victims and efficient technical coordination helped authorities prevent the transfer or withdrawal of large sums.
Launched on May 17, 2022, by the Mumbai Police, the 1930 Cyber Helpline has become a vital support system for victims of digital fraud. It handles complaints related to various cybercrimes like share trading fraud, digital arrest scams, fake job offers, and phishing scams. Once a complaint is lodged, helpline officers immediately collaborate with banks, digital wallets, merchants, and payment gateways nationwide to freeze suspicious accounts before fraudsters can access the funds.
Official data shows that from January 1 to May 19, the 1930 helpline received 2,55,092 calls, with authorities successfully halting defrauded funds in 30,302 cases. A total of Rs 101.39 crore was saved during this period, with a success rate of around 25.68%. This milestone underscores the effectiveness of freezing funds in nearly one out of every four cases.
Moreover, data from May 2022 to May 2026 reveals that the Mumbai Police Cyber Team has frozen and recovered approximately Rs 491.57 crore lost in cyber fraud cases over the past four years. Police officials attribute this success to a robust cyber response framework, rapid action, technical surveillance, and close collaboration with financial networks.
Citizens are urged by the Mumbai Police to report cyber fraud, suspicious links, fraudulent calls, or financial scams to the 1930 helpline promptly. Timely reporting is emphasized as a crucial factor in enhancing the chances of recovering or freezing defrauded funds.
