Bihar has emerged as one of India’s most vulnerable regions for cyber fraud, witnessing a sharp rise in digital scams that target families, students and job-seeking youth, according to a report released by Quick Heal Technologies Ltd, a leading cybersecurity solutions provider.
The findings are based on research conducted by Seqrite Labs, the enterprise security arm of Quick Heal. The report warns that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting the rapid expansion of digital payments, online education and app-based services across Bihar—often in areas with limited cyber awareness.
According to the report, fraudsters are actively using UPI-based payment scams, fake QR codes placed at local shops, phishing links sent through messaging platforms, fraudulent mobile applications and urgent phone calls to siphon money from unsuspecting users.
“From small tea stalls adopting QR payments to students attending online classes, Bihar’s fast-paced digital transition has created new opportunities for cybercriminals,” Quick Heal said in a statement. “The lack of basic cybersecurity awareness has made large sections of the population vulnerable.”
Common scam methods and vulnerable groups
The study found that scammers frequently impersonate bank officials, government representatives or customer care executives, creating a sense of urgency to extract sensitive information. Messages warning of account suspension due to incomplete KYC details remain among the most common tactics reported.
Victims are often tricked into sharing one-time passwords (OTPs), UPI PINs or login credentials. In many cases, users are persuaded to scan QR codes under the impression that they will receive money, only to unknowingly approve outgoing payments instead.
The report identified parents managing household finances, school students, and young job seekers as the most frequently targeted groups. Fraudsters rely heavily on emotional manipulation, time pressure and limited technical knowledge to succeed.
Students and job seekers in the crosshairs
Students pursuing college admissions, competitive examinations or employment opportunities have emerged as a high-risk demographic. The report noted a surge in fake admission portals, fraudulent exam preparation offers, leaked-paper claims and bogus work-from-home job advertisements.
“These scams often demand small registration or processing fees, which may appear harmless but vanish once paid,” the company said. Many victims, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, do not report such losses, allowing fraud networks to expand with little resistance.
Rise of emotional manipulation and deepfake scams
The report also highlighted the growing use of advanced psychological tactics. Cybercriminals are increasingly deploying deepfake audio and video clips, impersonating relatives in distress or authority figures, to pressure victims into making immediate transfers.
In other cases, fraudsters pose as bank officials and convince users to install remote access applications. Once installed, these apps give criminals complete control over victims’ smartphones, banking apps and personal data, significantly increasing financial losses.
Underreporting strengthens organised fraud networks
Quick Heal warned that cyber fraud remains significantly underreported across large parts of Bihar, particularly in rural regions. This underreporting enables organised criminal networks to scale operations rapidly and refine their techniques.
These networks often operate across state boundaries, using mule bank accounts, disposable SIM cards and encrypted messaging platforms to evade law enforcement.
“The absence of timely reporting and basic cyber hygiene allows fraud syndicates to operate with relative ease,” the report noted.
Safety advisory and the need for awareness
To counter the growing threat, the cybersecurity firm urged users to follow basic digital safety practices. These include never sharing OTPs or PINs, avoiding unknown links, verifying communications only through official apps and websites, and exercising caution while scanning QR codes.
Families and students were advised to use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
Experts said the findings highlight the urgent need for widespread cyber awareness campaigns, particularly in states experiencing rapid digital adoption. Stronger coordination between law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and cybersecurity firms will be critical to containing the threat.
As Bihar continues to embrace digital services, the report cautioned that awareness and security must grow at the same pace—failing which cyber fraud will remain a persistent and evolving risk.
