Tier‑2 on Alert: As Cybercrime Surges in Smaller Cities, Is Your Data Safe?

Rampant Cybercrime: Tier‑2 Cities in the Crosshairs

Cybercrime in India is no longer restricted to metros. In recent years, incidents in Tier‑2 cities such as Surat, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, and Nawada have skyrocketed. According to government data, smaller towns now account for 80 % of all cyberfraud cases, with losses exceeding ₹22,812 crore in 2024 practiceguides.chambers.com+5indianexpress.com+5ciso.economictimes.indiatimes.com+5organiser.org. This shift has been attributed to criminals exploiting lower digital literacy and limited local cybersecurity infrastructure.

Recent Noteworthy Cases

• Surat Laundering Scheme: Over ₹1,455 crore was funneled through 90 bank accounts in coordinated scams involving international collusion—exposing a deep-rooted syndicate based in Surat timesofindia.indiatimes.com.

• Paan-Shop Mules in Vadodara: Cyber gangs are recruiting local individuals—often from paan shops—then using their bank accounts as “mules” for laundering stolen funds nullcyberx.in+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1.

• Digital Arrest Scams in Pune: Pune police report that from January to May 2025, victims lost ₹9.21 crore across 21 digital arrest scams, where fraudsters impersonate officials and conduct live video scams timesofindia.indiatimes.com.

• Fake Job Front in Nawada: A gang in Bihar posing as a “Pregnant Job Company” duped both genders into paying high registration fees for bogus telecom jobs timesofindia.indiatimes.com.

Why Tier‑2 Cities Are Easy Targets

• Low Cyber Awareness: Many residents lack basic knowledge of phishing, OTP frauds, and app-based scams. As a result, they are easier prey .

• Weaker Local Enforcement: Limited local cybercrime resources, with fewer specialist units like Maharashtra Cyber or I4C involvement in smaller jurisdictions en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1.

• Use of Mules: Criminals employ locals unaware of their role facilitating money movement, complicating regional law enforcement timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1.

Govt Response: Strengthening Cyber Defences

• Zonal Cyber Cells in Hyderabad: With a 786 % increase in cases, Hyderabad police deployed new zonal cells to manage cybercrime more effectively timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2organiser.org+2timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2.

• Bihar’s Dedicated Cyber Unit: The state plans new cybercrime and cybersecurity units to counter rising threats thesslstore.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1.

• Indore Police–Bank Coordination: A recent workshop emphasized cooperation to freeze stolen funds, prevent fake accounts, and expedite refunds en.wikipedia.org+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1.

• CERT‑In Reporting Mandate: CERT‑In now requires 6‑hour incident reporting from intermediaries—a move aimed at early breach detection nullcyberx.in+3practiceguides.chambers.com+3cert-in.org.in+3.

Cyber Hygiene: How Citizens Can Stay Safe

1. Verify Identities: Always confirm with the issuing agency before trusting bank or law enforcement calls.

2. Avoid Unverified Links: Don’t click on QR codes or job offers received via WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media.

3. Use KYC‑Compliant Banking: Avoid letting strangers use your bank account as a mule—even for “easy money.”

4. Report Red Flags: Register directly on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) for any suspicious incident.

5. Stay Informed: Attend local cyber awareness programs, such as those led by ADCP Rajesh Dandotiya across Madhya Pradesh nullcyberx.inen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org.

The Bigger Picture

India logged over 14 lakh cybercrime cases in 2024, with UPI and app-based scams surging by 300 % timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2nullcyberx.in+2timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2. Malware attacks, data breaches, and identity theft are increasingly common in smaller cities and towns—highlighting the urgent need for both public awareness and local capacity building.

Conclusion: Act Now Before It’s Too Late

Cybercriminals are evolving—leveraging social engineering, fake job schemes, and data phishing to target vulnerable Tier‑2 audiences. But the fightback is underway. Enhanced policing, CERT‑In directives, and citizen-led vigilance form a vital triad of defence.

As India accelerates toward digital inclusion, it is crucial for every individual—whether in metros or small towns—to recognise that cyber safety is personal. Follow basic cyber hygiene rules, stay informed, and if you encounter fraud, report it immediately. Your data—and your wallet—depend on it.