Cybercrime increases elevenfold in eight years, honeytrap cases constitute 20 percent

THRISSUR: Anyone can fall victim to cyber scams which are increasing day by day. Cyber crime has increased eleven times in eight years in the state. While there were 283 cases in 2016, last year it was 3,155. Among this, more than 20 percent are honeytrap cases. Most of these are job offers and online loan scams.

Honeytrap begins with a friend request on social media from profile with photos of beautiful women. After days of chatting, these 'women' will build a close friendship and gain trust. They will late invite the victims for video calls. They will record private scenes, conversation etc. will be recorded and demand money. If the victims are not ready to give in to the demand, they will threaten to spread the video on social media and send it to family members and friends.

These scammers will also pose as officials from police and cyber cell. There are people who have pledged gold and property and paid lakhs for fear of losing their dignity. Many have attempted suicide. Most of these scammers operate in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. It is not easy for the police to catch them as their information is fake.

To avoid getting caught in the trap

♦ Do not accept friend requests from strangers
♦ Do not chat with strangers
♦ Do not display body parts on the Internet
♦ Do not click on suspicious links

Helpline No: 1930

Cyber crime

2016..... 283

2017..... 320

2018..... 340

2019..... 307

2020..... 426

2021..... 626

2022..... 723

2023..... 3155