Cyber Fraud Surges in Bihar, Students and Families Targeted

Bihar Emerges as Major Cyber Fraud Hotspot, Cybersecurity Firm Warns

Bihar has emerged as one of India’s most vulnerable regions for cyber fraud, with a sharp increase in online scams targeting families, students and job-seeking youth, according to a new report released by cybersecurity firm Quick Heal Technologies Ltd.

The findings, based on research by the company’s enterprise security arm Seqrite Labs, point to a worrying rise in digital fraud across the state, fuelled by rapid adoption of online payments, app-based services and digital education, often without adequate awareness of cyber risks.

According to the report, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting UPI-based transactions, fake QR codes displayed at local shops, phishing links, fraudulent mobile applications and urgent phone calls designed to panic victims into making quick payments. These tactics have been observed not only in urban centres but also in small towns and rural pockets.

“Cybercrime cases have surged as digital life expands across the state — from tea stall transactions in small towns to online classes and job applications,” Quick Heal said, warning that the pace of digital adoption has outstripped basic cyber hygiene among many users.

The study found that scamsters frequently impersonate bank officials, government representatives or service providers, pressuring victims into sharing one-time passwords, PINs or login credentials. Messages threatening account suspension due to incomplete KYC are among the most common traps reported.

Families, elderly users and first-time smartphone users were identified as particularly vulnerable. Fraudsters often rely on urgency, fear and confusion to bypass caution, extracting sensitive information or triggering unauthorised payments.

Students and job seekers have emerged as a prime target group. The report highlighted widespread circulation of fake college admission forms, bogus promises of leaked examination papers and fraudulent work-from-home offers through WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels and social media platforms.

“These scams typically demand small ‘registration’ or ‘processing’ fees that disappear once paid,” the company said, noting that many victims, especially in rural areas, do not report losses. This underreporting, the report warned, allows fraud networks to grow unchecked.

Investigators have also observed a rise in emotionally manipulative scams using advanced techniques. Fraudsters are now deploying deepfake audio and video clips, posing as relatives in distress or authority figures, to pressure victims into making immediate transfers.

In other cases, criminals impersonating bank officials convince users to install remote access applications, handing over direct control of smartphones and banking apps. Such tactics significantly increase losses and make recovery far more difficult.

Quick Heal cautioned that cyber fraud in Bihar remains significantly underreported, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. Organised crime networks exploit this gap, operating across state boundaries using disposable SIM cards, mule bank accounts and encrypted messaging platforms to evade detection.

To counter the growing threat, the company urged users to follow basic digital safety practices. These include never sharing OTPs, PINs or passwords, verifying links only through official apps, and avoiding unknown QR codes — especially when receiving money, as many scams redirect payments instead of crediting accounts.

Experts say the findings underline the urgent need for widespread cyber awareness campaigns, particularly in regions experiencing rapid digital expansion. Stronger coordination between law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and cybersecurity firms will be essential to contain the threat.

As Bihar continues its push towards digital services, the report warned that awareness and caution must grow at the same pace. Without it, cyber fraud is likely to remain a persistent and evolving risk for millions across the state.