PRAYAGRAJ, July 10 -- Despite sustained awareness efforts, high-value online fraud is rising across the Prayagraj division as criminals employ increasingly sophisticated tactics. Data from cybercrime police stations in Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, and Kaushambi show that 69 cases involving losses of Rs.5 lakh or more were registered between January and June 2025-a 35% increase from the 51 cases recorded during the same period in 2024. Prayagraj led the increase with 37 cases in the first half of 2025, up from 24 the previous year. Pratapgarh saw cases rise from 19 to 24, while Kaushambi remained steady at eight. In 2024, a total of 159 high-value cyber fraud cases (losses exceeding Rs.5 lakh) were registered across the three districts: 96 in Prayagraj, 49 in Pratapgarh, and 14 in Kaushambi. Cybercrime police stations handle cases involving losses above Rs.5 lakh, while local cyber cells manage complaints regarding smaller amounts. Investigators report that scammers have evolved beyond basic OTP or bank-call frauds. Newer, elaborate frauds include: Fraudulent investment opportunities promising high returns; "digital arrest" scams and fake customer-care services; deception via matrimonial websites; fraudulent electricity, gas agency and KYC update requests; and exploitation of public events and emergencies. Recent incidents include a matrimonial scam, investment fraud and impersonation. In the matrimonial scam, a Georgetown doctor lost Rs.7.30 lakh after a contact met via a matrimonial site persuaded him to invest in a bogus online trading scheme. The investment fraud occurred with a woman who was cheated out of Rs.12.54 lakh after fraudsters promised to double her fixed deposit, discouraging her from verifying the scheme with her bank. In another case, a 72-year-old Ashok Nagar resident lost Rs.6.79 lakh after callers posing as gas agency representatives used an alleged KYC update to extract his banking credentials during a local LPG shortage. Om Narayan Gautam, in-charge of the Prayagraj Cyber Police station, urged residents to verify all investment offers, protect banking credentials, and immediately report suspicious transactions to the national cybercrime helpline or portal. He reiterated that public vigilance remains the primary defense against evolving fraud tactics....