SMS Fraud in India: The number of scams conducted via SMS in India has risen by 146%. In 2025, cyber fraud losses in the country surpassed ₹22,000 crore.
SMS Fraud in India: There has been a significant increase in fraud cases involving SMS in India, with a 146% rise recorded over the past year. A report by BioCatch reveals that fraud incidents on iOS—a platform generally considered more secure—surged by 86%, while the increase on Android stood at 35%. Regarding financial losses, cyber fraud complaints totaling ₹22,496 crore were registered in India in 2025. This highlights the massive financial impact cyber fraud is having on individuals.
Why are SMS scams on the rise?
According to media reports, Tom Peacock, Director of Global Fraud Intelligence at BioCatch, stated that SMS scams are particularly effective because they exploit trusted communication channels. Fraudulent SMS messages appear authentic, leading users to trust them without much scrutiny. The report also notes that scammers are increasingly targeting the UPI ecosystem.
Cybercriminals are executing larger frauds in shorter timeframes
The report indicates that fraudsters are now inflicting greater financial damage in less time. While the average duration of a mobile fraud session has decreased by 32%, the amount of money transferred during these sessions has surged 1.7-fold. This implies that fraudsters are rapidly transferring funds from victims' accounts to their own. Peacock noted that the ability to commit high-value fraud within a brief interaction demonstrates that fraudsters are becoming more efficient and their scam techniques more refined. Cybercriminals are now using social engineering and automated techniques to siphon off funds before any warning alerts can appear.
Losses exceeding ₹22,000 crore
People are suffering massive financial losses due to cyber fraud. As mentioned earlier, complaints regarding cyber fraud amounting to ₹22,496 crore were registered, while attempted transfers worth ₹9,000 crore were blocked. Over the past year, investigators have identified more than 8.5 lakh accounts—spread across 700 branches of various banks—that were being used to launder proceeds from fraud.
-
The medicine is being wasted in the monsoons? Know the 5 anti-damp secrets of doctors to stay healthy!
-
Username feature break, but only 79 rupees is changing form ‘WhatsApp Plus’!
-
LeBron James announces Philadelphia 76ers signing in ‘last decision’
-
Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu Resigns, likely to focus on 2027 Punjab polls
-
Former RJD Spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari Joins BJP: Former RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari, who was close to Lalu Yadav, joins BJP.
