Patna: Cyber fraud cases are rising rapidly in Patna, creating fear and concern among residents, especially among professionals and students. What is particularly shocking is that scammers are now targeting highly educated people such as doctors, professors, businesspersons and even engineering students. These criminals are using clever tactics and psychological pressure to trick victims into transferring large amounts of money. The growing number of cases shows that no one is completely safe from these scams, regardless of their education or awareness.
According to data from the cyber police, around 200 people in Patna fall victim to cyber fraud every month. In 2025, more than 2,600 cases were officially recorded. The situation remains serious this year as well, with over 280 cases reported in just the first two months. These numbers highlight how quickly cybercrime is spreading in the city. Police officials also believe that many cases go unreported, which means the real number could be even higher.
One of the most common methods used by scammers is known as “digital arrest”. In this type of fraud, criminals pretend to be officials from agencies like the police or central investigation bodies. They contact victims through phone calls or video calls and accuse them of being involved in serious crimes. The victims are then threatened with arrest and pressured to pay money to “resolve” the issue. Apart from this, scammers are also trapping people through fake investment schemes related to the stock market and cryptocurrency, as well as through harmful mobile apps.
A recent case shocked the city when a retired professor from Patna University lost Rs 3.07 crore in a digital arrest scam. This incident showed how convincing and dangerous these fraudsters can be. Despite being well-educated, the victim was unable to identify the scam in time. Experts say that scammers use fear, urgency and trust-building techniques to manipulate people into making quick decisions.
Interestingly, many of these cybercriminals are not highly educated. Police investigations have found that several arrested scammers have studied only up to class 10 or 11. However, they have strong communication skills and can speak confidently in Hindi, English and local languages. This helps them gain the trust of their targets easily. Many of them learn new fraud techniques through social media platforms and online videos, and sometimes take help from technical experts to carry out their plans.
The network of these fraudsters is also expanding in Patna. People from nearby districts such as Nalanda, Nawada, Sheikhpura and Jamui are coming to the city and operating from rented houses. Areas like Ramkrishna Nagar, Patrakar Nagar and Beur have become major centres for such activities. Police are continuously taking action and have arrested many criminals, but the problem still continues to grow.
Officials are now urging people to stay alert and not trust unknown calls or messages, especially those involving money or legal threats. As cybercrime becomes more advanced, awareness and caution are the best ways to stay safe.
