Mewat, an area in Rajasthan has gained a reputation as the cybercrime hub- similar to that of Jamtara (one of the biggest cybercriminal hotspots of India) for its rapid cybercrime activities. Over the past year, it is further estimated that cybercriminals based in this region have swindled over Rs 7,000 crores from victims across the country. In 2024 alone, Rajasthan Police have received around 7.5 lakh complaints related to cyber fraud.
In a significant crackdown named 'Operation Anti Virus’, the Rajasthan Police, along with India TV, has uncovered startling details about the cybercrime operations which was operated from Mewat (Rajasthan).
In the village, many houses were turned into call centres where young men and women were hired to make fraudulent calls. These cybercriminals are employing new and improved tactics to successfully deceive hundreds of victims daily. Online frauds like:
- Offering fake investments
- KYC updates
- Threats of digital arrest
- Nude video call
Inside the Cybercrime operations?
When we speak of these operations, the scale is staggering. With over 500 new cases of cyber fraud reported daily in Mewat, the police have launched a robust response. As part of 'Operation Anti Virus', the police registered more than 150 FIRs and arrested more than 400 fraudsters who were based in the village itself.
This joint effort by the Rajasthan Police and India TV has started showing the results, evidence being the growing number of arrests and FIRs.
Common cybercrime tactics
Cybercriminals in Mewat have adapted several ways and schemes to trap innocent victims. The new adapted fraudulent schemes include:
- Investment Scams which claim to give high returns on non-existent investments.
- KYC update fraud which used to trick people into sharing personal information, by pretending to be bank officials.
- Sextortion: A video call which showcases nude women on a video call, and threatens to release sensitive information to the public, unless a ransom is paid.
- Digital Arrest Threats: Pretending to be law enforcement officers to extort money.
These sophisticated methods are used to extract money and personal information from unsuspecting victims.
How to protect yourself from the cyber fraud?
The best defence against cybercrime is by staying alert and informed. Here are some important tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim:
- Be sceptical of the unknown contacts- Suggested to ignore calls, messages, or emails from unknown sources.
- Avoid offers calls- Do not fall for the promises of prize money, gifts, or other windfalls.
- Never share personal information in response to any offer.
- Do not Click on suspicious Links
- Keep your personal information secure and never share them with the caller- Details like bank account number, Aadhaar number, passwords or OTPs.
- Report suspicious activity immediately on the ‘Chakshu portal’, a portal which has been created by the Central Government for any suspicious calls or messages.
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