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Scam Statistics in India
Here are some eye‑opening numbers that show just how serious online fraud has become in India:
- Billions of dollars are lost every year.
- Scams range from fake investment schemes to phishing emails and phone calls.
- Victims aren't just losing money they're losing trust, security, and peace of mind.
Online scams have quietly grown into one of the biggest threats facing everyday internet users in India. From individuals shopping online to businesses running digital operations, millions have already fallen victim to fraud.
The Global State of Scam Report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) paints a worrying picture: India ranks among the top countries worldwide for reported online scams, with more than 120 million cases of fraud recorded.
These numbers are more than just statistics they're a wake-up call. They remind us that every click, message, or transaction online carries a risk if we're not careful. Staying alert and informed is the best defense.
| Country | Population | Internet Penetration | # of Scams | Scams / 1,000 | Money Lost | Money Lost / Capita | Money Lost / Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1.38B | 41% | 120M | 87 | $21.0B | $15.22 | $175 |
| 2021 | 1.39B | 54% | 120M | 86 | $14.5B | $10.41 | $121 |
| 2022 | 1.41B | 58% | 125M | 89 | $16.0B | $11.38 | $128 |
| 2023 | 1.42B | 62% | 130M | 92 | $18.0B | $12.68 | $138 |
| 2024 | 1.43B | 66% | 135M | 94 | $20.0B | $13.97 | $148 |
| 2025 | 1.45B | 70% | 140M | 97 | $22.0B | $15.22 | $157 |
The figures in the table will differ strongly per year as various sources have been used, pending on availability.
Here's a structured draft of India, highlighting common scams and how victims can report them or seek help.
Common Scams
- Phishing and fake banking apps
- OTP fraud and SIM swap scams
- Investment fraud (Ponzi schemes, crypto scams)
- Job scams and fake e-commerce sites
- AI-driven scams (deepfake impersonations, fake video calls)
Reporting Mechanisms
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in)
- Local police stations under NCRB guidelines
- CERT-In for cybersecurity incidents
