Tripura’s Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar revealed that cybercriminals have defrauded residents of Rs 51.49 crore since 2021, with losses escalating from Rs 1.98 crore in 2021 to Rs 25.54 crore in 2024, and Rs 9.77 crore reported in the first seven months of 2025.

Speaking at a cybercrime awareness workshop in Agartala, Dhankar noted that 269 individuals have been affected, with fraudsters employing sophisticated tactics such as fake electricity and gas bills, investment scams, impersonation of officials, OTP theft, social media blackmail, and fraudulent hotel bookings. Notable cases include a victim losing Rs 2.3 crore in an investment scam and another losing Rs 18 lakh to a fake franchise scheme, highlighting the scale of the threat.

Dhankar emphasized that Tripura Police have made progress, recovering Rs 33.84 lakh and freezing 20,387 bank accounts containing Rs 5.76 crore, with expectations of further recoveries within three months. He attributed the declining trend in 2025, with losses at Rs 10.36 crore until July, to increased public awareness and the establishment of Tripura’s first dedicated cybercrime police station in June 2025.

However, challenges persist as many cybercriminals operate from outside Tripura or overseas, using fake bank accounts, SIM cards, VPNs, and deepfake technology, often exploiting victims’ trust and delayed reporting. Dhankar stressed that immediate reporting via the national helpline (1930) or local police is critical to intercepting fraudulent transactions.

To combat the rising menace, Dhankar urged citizens to adopt robust cyber hygiene practices, including installing only trusted apps, using strong and frequently updated passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and refraining from sharing OTPs or personal details. He cautioned against falling for “work from home” scams, unregulated loan apps, and fake social media ads promising lucrative gains.

The DGP highlighted the role of awareness campaigns, such as the media-focused workshop, in empowering citizens to protect themselves. With India facing a staggering Rs 22,845 crore in cyber fraud losses in 2024, Tripura’s efforts, including its new cybercrime station and public education drives, aim to curb this borderless threat, reinforcing the need for vigilance in an increasingly digital world.

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