People's fear and mistrust in authority leads to cybercrime, say experts at report launch on policing

Lack of digital exposure isn't the only factor that may lead someone to fall prey to cybercrimes; a significant number of cyber crime victims are those who perceive digital means of payment to be safer than other modes. This came to light in the Status of Policing in India Report 2026: Cybercrime—Victim Perspectives and Systemic Responses, published by Lokniti-CSDS and Common Cause on Thursday (September 24, 2026).

The report, building onto its earlier reports documenting public trust and experience with police, examines the modus operandi of cybercriminals, the lived experience of victims, the digital habits and vulnerabilities of ordinary citizens, and the preparedness of the police and banks to handle complaints.