A fake phone call, an attractive online offer or a threat of arrest can be enough to make someone lose their hard-earned money. Cybercriminals do not target people based only on their age or profession. Instead, they identify their fears, needs and weaknesses and use them to manipulate victims into transferring money or sharing sensitive information.

A recent case involving Vrindavan businessman Ratan Lal Agarwal highlights how dangerous these tactics can be. He reportedly received a call from someone claiming to be an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officer. The caller alleged that his wife's mobile number had been linked to a serious crime.

The fraudsters allegedly kept Agarwal under constant audio and video surveillance, prevented him from leaving his room and stopped him from speaking to his family. Frightened by the threats, he transferred ₹30 lakh through RTGS to an account provided by the scammers. After his son discovered the incident and approached the cybercrime authorities, the police managed to hold ₹15 lakh.

The case illustrates how cybercrime has evolved beyond fake links and one-time password (OTP) scams. Criminals increasingly rely on psychological pressure, impersonation and carefully designed stories to convince victims to act without verifying the facts.

Do Cybercriminals Target People According to Their Age?

There is no definitive answer to which age group is most vulnerable to cyber fraud. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) does not publish age-wise data that establishes which group faces the highest risk across all forms of cybercrime. However, the methods used by scammers reveal how they exploit the different circumstances and concerns of their victims.

Cybersecurity expert Jiten Jain explains that younger people, who often spend considerable time online, may encounter fraudulent social media promotions, fake shopping offers and promises of quick profits. Scammers create a sense of urgency by claiming that a deal is available for only a limited time, encouraging people to make payments without checking the seller's authenticity.

Working professionals may be targeted through fake job opportunities, stock market tips, cryptocurrency schemes and investment offers promising unusually high returns. Fraudsters may use convincing websites, fabricated testimonials and false profit statements to make these schemes appear legitimate.

Older adults can be targeted through threats involving the police, government agencies, family emergencies or alleged financial irregularities. In so-called digital arrest scams, criminals impersonate law enforcement or government officials and threaten victims with arrest, investigation or legal proceedings unless they transfer money.

Fraudsters are also exploiting leaked personal information and artificial intelligence-generated messages to make their communication appear more credible. When scammers know a person's name, address, family details or financial circumstances, their stories can seem convincing even when they are entirely fabricated.

More Than 24 Lakh Financial Cyber Fraud Complaints in 2025

The scale of financial cybercrime in India highlights the importance of awareness and timely reporting.

According to figures attributed to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal received 24,02,579 complaints of financial cyber fraud during 2025. The reported amount involved was approximately ₹22,495 crore.

The problem has continued into 2026. By June 30, 2026, more than 32.80 lakh complaints had reportedly been processed with the assistance of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). Authorities also reported preventing more than ₹11,158 crore from being withdrawn from victims' accounts.

These figures underline the importance of reporting suspicious transactions quickly. Although early intervention can help authorities and banks block funds, recovering money is not guaranteed.

Cyber Fraud Cases Involving Young and Elderly Victims

Reported incidents from different cities demonstrate that no age group is completely safe from online scams.

• October 6, 2026, Ahmedabad: A 25-year-old man was allegedly threatened during a video call by people posing as police officers and YouTube representatives. He reportedly lost ₹49.78 lakh.

• September 29, 2026, Pune: A 27-year-old IT professional reportedly lost ₹1.19 lakh after responding to a saree advertisement on social media and making an online purchase.

• September 17, 2026, Mumbai: A 68-year-old man was allegedly threatened with money-laundering allegations by someone posing as a telecom official. The fraud reportedly resulted in a transfer of ₹1.12 crore.

• September 3, 2026, Lucknow: A doctor identified as Zia was allegedly threatened by a person impersonating an ATS officer and accused of involvement in terrorist activities. She reportedly lost ₹1.55 crore.

• August 19, 2026, Lucknow: A retired Food Corporation of India employee and his wife were allegedly subjected to an 18-day digital arrest scam. People posing as ATS, NIA and CBI officers reportedly defrauded them of ₹42.09 lakh.

These incidents demonstrate that scammers change their methods depending on the victim. Some exploit the desire to earn money quickly, while others rely on fear, authority or trust.

Why Is Immediate Reporting So Important After Cyber Fraud?

Time is critical when someone discovers that they have been cheated online. Fraudsters may quickly move stolen money through multiple bank accounts, making it harder for authorities to trace and freeze the funds.

If you become a victim of cyber fraud, take the following steps immediately:

1. Call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 and report the financial fraud.

2. File a complaint through the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.

3. Inform your bank immediately and request action to block or trace the disputed transaction.

4. Preserve all relevant evidence, including transaction details, bank statements, phone numbers, messages, screenshots and call records.

5. Do not send additional money to anyone promising guaranteed recovery of the stolen amount. Recovery-related scams often target people who have already lost money.

How Can You Protect Yourself From Cybercriminals?

The most effective defence is to pause and verify before taking action. Never transfer money simply because someone claims to be a police officer, government official, bank employee or investment expert.

Remember these essential precautions:

• Government agencies and police do not conduct lawful arrests through video calls or require people to transfer money to prove their innocence.

• Never share OTPs, PINs, passwords or banking credentials with callers.

• Verify online sellers and job offers through official websites and trusted channels.

• Avoid investment schemes promising guaranteed or unusually high returns.

• Be cautious of urgent messages claiming that your account will be blocked or a family member is in trouble.

• Independently contact the relevant institution using an officially listed phone number instead of relying on contact details supplied by a suspicious caller.

Cyber fraud is not restricted to a particular age group, profession or level of education. The tactics may differ, but the underlying strategy remains the same: criminals try to make people act before they have time to think.

Staying calm, verifying claims independently and reporting suspicious transactions without delay can reduce the risk of financial loss and improve the chances of stopping stolen money from moving further.