<h1>Rs51.49 crore lost to cyber frauds since 2021; scams, frozen funds and police urge stronger online precautions</h1> A state police official reported that residents lost Rs 51.49 crore to cyber frauds since 2021, with 269 identified victims; losses rose from Rs 1.98 crore in 2021 to Rs 25.54 crore in 2024. Authorities have recovered Rs 33.84 lakh and have about Rs 5.76 crore frozen in 20,387 bank accounts. Common schemes include fake utility bills, fraudulent investments, impersonation of officials, OTP theft, social media harassment, online lotteries and hotel-booking scams. The official urged precautions such as installing only essential apps, using and regularly updating strong passwords, and avoiding fake work-from-home social media ads.