Cybercrime Surges 212 Per Cent In Five Years Since 2019, Senior Citizen-Specific Data Not Tracked

Cybercrime cases have been rising every year, from a total of 6,229 registered cybercrime cases in 2019 to over 19,466 in 2023, reflecting a 212 per cent increase. Cyber fraud is rising rapidly across the country, affecting several innocent people. Senior citizens are especially soft targets for digital fraudsters as they are not well-conversant with technological advances and online applications.

Recently, the Supreme Court also took Suo Motu cognisance of the matter involving fraudsters who used fake judicial orders to digitally arrest a senior citizen couple and extort over Rs 1 crore. While the government is aware that cyber frauds are rising, and senior citizens are a vulnerable group for such frauds, there is no separate data based on age group to ascertain who is more prone to being trapped in such frauds.

On a question asked by Ashok Kumar Rawat in the Lok Sabha on December 2, 2025, whether the government is aware of the increasing digital frauds incidents and especially senior citizens who are being duped through online apps and phone calls, the Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Minister of State in the Ministry Of Home Affairs replied that the statistical data is available in the National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) “Crime in India” report.

However, he clarified that “Specific data regarding cybercrime complaints lodged by senior citizens in the country is not maintained separately by NCRB.”

According to the NCRB data, cybercrimes have grown rapidly in the last few years.

Years                   Registered Cybercrime Cases

2019                    6,229  

2020                    10,395

2021                    14,007

2022                    17,470

2023                    19,466

This upward trajectory is alarming and indicates the risks in the digital landscape.

What Measures Has The Government Taken?

The government has implemented several measures to mitigate digital fraud risks. For example, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) established by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) deals with all types of cyber crimes in a comprehensive manner.

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), as part of the I4C, provide a platform to the public to report cybercrime incidents. The incidents reported on this portal are handled by the law enforcement agencies of the concerned state or union territories.

Another measures include the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), launched in 2021 for immediate reporting and stopping the siphoning off of funds. Through this, more than Rs 7,130 crore has been saved so far in over 23.02 lakh complaints.

A Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) has also been established at I4C, where representatives of entities, such as banks, telecom service providers, IT Intermediaries, payment aggregators, and representatives of the law enforcement agency (LEA) work together for immediate action and faster resolution.

Besides, a toll-free Helpline number ‘1930’ is also operational to assist people in lodging online complaints, and several awareness campaigns are also being run on television, radio, and social media to inform people.

Why Are Targeted Measures Required?

While general awareness measures are being taken to reduce such crimes and raise awareness among people, crime incidents are still on the rise.

As seniors are soft targets for digital fraudsters, isn't separating data on them and targeted awareness efforts the need of the hour?

No doubt, tracking is critical to prevent fraud from happening in the first place. It will help in creating focused awareness campaigns rather than the broader announcements of safeguard measures.