The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is compiling and integrating a comprehensive database encompassing URLs, phone numbers, Telegram contacts, and email IDs from websites associated with cyber frauds, specifically phishing and smishing, News18 has learnt.
A high-ranking official told News18 that this data is pivotal in combating cybercrime as it paves the way for the establishment of a depository. This depository is anticipated to aid both the public and law enforcement agencies in identifying and addressing cyber threats.
Under the proposed plan, individuals will have the capability to verify the legitimacy of any contact, URL, or email ID by utilising the I4C website. When reporting a cybercrime, individuals can now complete a form detailing information such as the website, phone number, bank account number, UPI ID, and social media accounts involved in the fraudulent activity.
The citizen-provided information is then incorporated into a depository. Another feature allows users to input a mobile number, website, UPI ID etc. to ascertain if they are associated with any cybercrime. This will help citizens check instantly if any number or account is involved in cyber frauds.
Asked about concerns of potential misuse of the data, an official emphasised that the data is backed by multiple complaints, not isolated incidents. Additionally, provisions are in place to address instances where false details are intentionally provided, allowing individuals to file requests if they believe someone has maliciously submitted incorrect information.
The Integrated Cybercrime Coordination Center (I4C) clarifies that it does not certify the authenticity of complaints under investigation by local police authorities. Users who disagree with specific identifiers on the database can send an email to address discrepancies.
According to the data, cybercrime trends show that, on an average, more than 5,000 cyber complaints were registered per day. It also revealed spike of 13.7% from 2021 to 2022, while the spike was 60.9% in the last one year.
The number of complaints have increased at least 500% from close to 2.57 lakh in 2020 to 15.56 lakh in 2023. The MHA data also revealed that states like Haryana, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Goa top in reporting cybercrime complaints, while Chandigarh reported the highest number of cases among Union Territories.
The data given by the MHA says around 50,000 citizens facing financial frauds in India are being assisted. Around 4.3 lakh victims saved Rs 11.27 crore with the help of I4C, an increase of almost 800%.
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