City’s e-zero FIR system rings alarm as cyber frauds surge

Bhopal: The city has witnessed a spike in cyber fraud complaints following the launch of the e-Zero FIR system, aimed at streamlining the registration of online complaints. Since its rollout on Dec 25, 2025, the State Cyber Crime Headquarters has forwarded over 350 e-Zero FIRs to police stations across Madhya Pradesh for conversion into regular FIRs. In one of the latest incidents, the Misrod police on Friday registered a cyber fraud case involving a 61-year-old retired bank manager who reportedly lost Rs 57.5 lakh to a fake investment scheme. This marks the second investment-related cyber fraud case in Bhopal in just three days. According to police, the victim, a resident of Shivangan Colony, Salaiya, Misrod, was searching online for a company linked to a private bank to invest in the share market. During his search, he came across contact details of a fraudulent company. On Dec 2, 2025, he opened an online account with the company. Eight days later, he received a call from an unknown number, claiming that no investment had been made yet and urging him to invest to earn high returns. Over the next few days, he received multiple calls from different numbers. On Dec 12, he transferred Rs 50,000 via NEFT. The next day, the company sent him a list of shares and a link showing his investment had grown by Rs 6,000. Encouraged by these apparent gains, he made additional transfers. Between Dec 17, 2025 and this Jan 6, the victim sent money in about six transactions, totaling Rs 57.5 lakh, to various accounts provided by the company. The fraudsters also promised extra IPO shares, demanding additional payments later. When the victim refused to pay the additional Rs 43.87 lakh, he was threatened, and upon checking the account, he discovered his balance was zero. Attempts to contact the company failed as several numbers were switched off or invalid. Realizing he had been duped, he lodged a complaint on the cyber helpline. An e-Zero FIR was registered, and the case was transferred to Misrod police, who have filed a case against unidentified fraudsters and launched an investigation based on the mobile numbers used. The rise in cyber fraud cases highlights the growing need for vigilance when making online investments, even for experienced professionals. Police have urged citizens to verify companies and investment opportunities before transferring money and to report suspicious activity immediately.