Karnataka faced a surge in cybercrime in 2025, with 6156 investment fraud cases reported versus 346 digital arrests. The latest data from the Home Minister shared in the Karnataka Legislature Session shows fraudsters using fake stock apps and social media to trap victims. Of the investment frauds, 3487 cases involved fake apps pushing stocks and shares. Meanwhile, 2669 cases saw victims lured by part-time job offers through social media and messaging apps. Other crimes included online money transfers, OTP frauds, and credit card scams. A senior police official explained that while newer fraud methods get public attention, older scams go under the radar but continue. For example, harassment by loan apps dropped after enforcement agency raids and app removals in 2023 but still caused 210 cases in 2025. Investment fraud remains one of the oldest cybercrime types. Victims are often attracted by social media posts and messages promising easy money for online tasks like liking posts or reviewing products. Small payouts build trust, leading victims to invest larger sums which they lose. Another trick involves fake stock recommendation groups on messaging apps that use their own trading apps showing fake profits but block withdrawals and demand fees. A senior official warned, "There is no free lunch. There is no way anyone can give higher returns than is regularly possible in the market. That is the first red flag. People should desist from interacting with unknown entities online."