Mumbai: MBVV cyber unit returns Rs 1.01 crore to victims of cyber frauds

Between January 2023 and August 2023, 1,952 complaints of cyber fraud were made. Representation pic

The cyber unit has successfully returned approximately Rs 1.01 crore to victims who fell prey to various cyber frauds within the Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) area this year. As per the sources, 1,952 complaints of cyber fraud were reported. However, the cyber unit managed to safeguard some of the victims' hard-earned money, ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 36 lakh. Between January 2023 and August 2023, around Rs 1.01 crore was returned to 65 victims' accounts. Last year, the MBVV police cyber unit managed to return about Rs 91.94 lakh to individuals affected by diverse cyber frauds.

The complaints covered a spectrum of cyber fraud, including the electricity bill update fraud, bank account Know Your Customer (KYC) update fraud, dubious SMS/links and customer care numbers, Google search fraud, the work-from-home scam and loan apps scams.

Under the leadership of city Police Commissioner Madhukar Pandey, JT Commissioner Shrikant Pathak, and DCP Avinash Ambure, the cyber unit's diligent efforts have brought relief to victims and restored their lost funds, an official said. With the surge in cyber fraud incidents, continuous efforts are directed at alerting and warning the public. The helpline number 1930 has been established for assistance.

Victims' speak

"On August 8, I received a message on my mobile regarding bank KYC. Upon clickingthe link and filling in the details, Rs 1.60 lakh was debited from my account. With the prompt assistance of MBVV cyber police, Rs 1.16 lakh was returned to my account within three days. I urge people not to click on unknown links and to approach the bank before making any decisions," said a 38-year-old victim, who fell for the KYC update scam.

"Last year, I came across an investment scheme on social media through a college friend, promising substantial returns. I invested, trusting my friend. When I attempted to retrieve my money, more funds were taken under the guise of new tasks. I lost approximately Rs 3 lakh. After 8 months and police intervention, I managed to recover Rs 2 lakh, but Rs 1 lakh is still pending. I advise everyone not to fall for any investment links like this," said a working woman who became a victim of an investment fraud.

Rs 91.94L
Amount returned last year