Quick heal warns of alarming surge in cyber frauds targeting India’s senior citizens

A study by Seqrite Labs, the cyber research division of Quick Heal, reveals that fraudsters are adopting manipulative strategies targeting seniors, exploiting psychological, social, and neurological vulnerabilities, including age-related decline in distrust detection, to intensify cyberattacks

Cybercrimes targeting India’s senior citizens have reached alarming levels, according to a new study released by Quick Heal Technologies Limited. The report highlights an 86% rise in elder fraud between 2020 and 2022, raising concerns about the vulnerability of the country’s aging population in the digital era.

With India’s elderly population projected to touch 193 million by 2031 and nearly 68% of seniors already active on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube, experts warn that the issue could snowball into a national crisis unless urgent action is taken.

Sophisticated scams exploit age-related vulnerabilities

The research, carried out by Seqrite Labs, Quick Heal’s dedicated cyber analysis arm, reveals that fraudsters are employing increasingly manipulative strategies to target seniors. Unlike general cyberattacks, these schemes are designed to exploit psychological, social, and neurological weaknesses. The study notes that aging-related changes in brain function—particularly reduced distrust detection—are being weaponized by criminals.

Data from cities like Chandigarh show the financial severity of these attacks, where a single day of reported cybercrimes can lead to losses of ₹15–18 lakh. Nationally, digital payment fraud is projected to surpass ₹1.2 lakh crore by 2025.

The report categorizes elder fraud into three main types:

·       Impersonation and authority scams — fraudsters impersonate police, bankers, or even court officials to pressure seniors into paying false fees.

·       Technical deception scams — attackers pose as tech support, exploiting low digital familiarity.

·       Investment fraud — though less frequent, these scams often wipe out life savings, such as a case in Telangana where a retiree lost ₹13 crore to a WhatsApp-linked fraud.

Emotional triggers and the call for preventive action

Scammers frequently exploit loneliness, respect for authority, and financial insecurity to gain trust and manipulate victims. Romance scams and fabricated emergencies are among the most common tactics. Quick Heal’s study emphasizes that while nearly half of seniors admit difficulty identifying scams, low digital literacy alone does not account for the problem’s scale.

The company is advocating for a multi-pronged approach, which includes family engagement, awareness campaigns, digital hygiene practices, and technology-driven safeguards. Its AI-powered AntiFraud solutions are positioned as one layer of defense, offering real-time protection against fraudulent calls, websites, and malicious applications.

Quick Heal concludes that India must move beyond restricting elderly citizens’ access to technology and instead empower them through knowledge, support networks, and smart protective tools. As digital adoption among seniors continues to grow, experts caution that the window for proactive action is narrowing rapidly, making elder protection a collective national responsibility.