Nearly 6,000 Cybercrime Complaints Registered in 2026 Amid Growing Threat from Investment, AI and Impersonation Scams
Coimbatore is witnessing a sharp rise in cybercrime, with law enforcement agencies receiving more than 55 cyber fraud complaints every day across the city and district.
According to official data from the Coimbatore City Cyber Crime Wing and the Coimbatore District Cyber Crime Wing, nearly 6,000 cybercrime complaints have been registered since the beginning of 2026. Authorities reported that the city wing receives approximately 35 complaints daily, while the district wing records another 20 complaints each day.
Officials noted that cybercrime complaints have steadily increased over recent years, rising from around 9,500 cases in 2024 to nearly 10,000 cases in 2025. Despite continuous public awareness campaigns, investigators say cybercriminals are adopting increasingly sophisticated techniques, including artificial intelligence, investment scams and impersonation fraud.
Task-Based Investment Scams Continue to Target Victims
According to investigators, one of the most common frauds currently affecting residents involves task-based investment schemes.
Police stated that fraudsters typically approach individuals through platforms such as:
- Other messaging applications
Victims are initially offered small payments for simple online activities such as:
- Posting reviews
- Liking promotional content
- Completing online tasks
After establishing trust through initial payments, fraudsters allegedly persuade victims to invest larger sums by promising unusually high daily or monthly returns.
Authorities said communication is often terminated once significant funds have been transferred.
Investigations into organised cyber fraud frequently require detailed Financial Investigation to identify fund movements, trace beneficiary accounts and reconstruct the complete money trail.
AI-Enabled Matrimonial Fraud on the Rise
Police also reported an increase in matrimonial fraud cases involving artificial intelligence.
According to investigators, fraudsters allegedly target unmarried individuals registered on matrimonial platforms by posing as prospective partners.
Authorities stated that AI-assisted communication, including video calls and extended conversations, is allegedly being used to establish credibility before victims are persuaded to invest money through fraudulent online trading platforms.
Recent cases reportedly include:
- A businessman allegedly losing ₹40 lakh
- A salaried employee allegedly losing ₹10 lakh
Police emphasised that these figures relate to separate investigations and remain subject to ongoing inquiries.
Digital Arrest, Rental and Phishing Scams Continue
Authorities warned that cybercriminals are increasingly using multiple forms of online fraud, including:
- Digital arrest scams
- Fake rental property advertisements
- Phishing links
- Fake investment platforms
- Banking impersonation
- Identity theft
Police stated that these scams frequently rely on fear, urgency or promises of high financial returns to manipulate victims into sharing sensitive information or transferring money.
Strong Internal Audit Services and proactive fraud monitoring help financial institutions and organisations strengthen internal controls against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Early Reporting Remains Critical
Investigators explained that one of the biggest challenges in cybercrime investigations is the rapid movement of stolen funds through multiple mule bank accounts.
According to police, cybercriminals often disperse funds within minutes, making recovery increasingly difficult if complaints are delayed.
Authorities noted that victims sometimes wait several days or even weeks before reporting incidents, by which time digital evidence may have become significantly harder to trace.
Proper Bookkeeping Services and transaction monitoring are often valuable during forensic examinations to identify suspicious financial activity and support fund-tracing efforts.
Police Encourage Immediate Reporting
Law enforcement agencies have urged citizens to immediately report cyber fraud through:
- The 1930 National Cyber Crime Helpline
- The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
Officials stressed that reporting fraud during the initial "golden hour" significantly improves the chances of:
- Freezing bank accounts
- Preserving digital evidence
- Recovering stolen funds
- Identifying perpetrators
Authorities also advised citizens to independently verify investment opportunities, avoid clicking on unknown links and never share confidential banking credentials with unverified individuals.
Cybercrime Continues to Evolve
Investigators believe cybercriminals are increasingly relying on psychological manipulation by exploiting:
- Financial greed
- Emotional vulnerability
- Fear of legal action
- Trust in digital platforms
- Social engineering techniques
Police expect cyber fraud methods to continue evolving as criminals adopt newer technologies, including artificial intelligence, to make scams appear more convincing.
Authorities continue to encourage public awareness alongside rapid reporting to reduce financial losses.