The data underscores an alarming surge in digital fraud across India’s technology hub, prompting concerns over cybersecurity preparedness
Karnataka suffered staggering financial losses amounting to Rs 2,915 crore in cybercrime during 2024 — averaging Rs 7.98 crore per day — according to figures released by the State Crime Records Bureau.
The data underscores an alarming surge in digital fraud across India’s technology hub, prompting concerns over cybersecurity preparedness. While reported figures likely underestimate the true scale — with many incidents going unreported — the volume and value of crimes have ballooned in recent years.
A recent report by state police confirms this worrying trend: between January and May 2025 alone, cybercriminals siphoned off ₹938 crore, while the state recorded more than 22,000 cybercrime incidents annually.
Investigators attribute much of the rise to the adoption of artificial intelligence by fraudsters. According to the “State of AI‑Powered Cybercrime: Threat & Mitigation Report‑2025” from GIREM and Tekion, AI was used in 80 per cent of phishing emails, allowing attackers to produce more convincing, targeted scams.
Director General of Police MA Saleem warned of the consequences for vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly. “Awareness must be created to educate society about the emerging threats,” he said.
Tekion CEO Jay Vijayan described the report as “a wake‑up call”, stressing that it not only exposes the financial cost of cybercrime but also its impact on individuals.
The rapid escalation of cybercrime in Karnataka highlights a growing gap in societal and governmental defences against digital exploitation. Security experts are now calling for enhanced public awareness campaigns, stronger regulatory frameworks, and improved law-enforcement resources to stem the tide.
