In today’s India, the relationship between fraudsters, scammers and parts of the police has become one of the most disturbing realities of public life. The police force is generally expected to be the protector of law and order, protect innocent civilians and punish criminals. However, when corruption enters the system, this expectation is completely shattered. The most worrying situation today is that in many areas of India, fraudsters and scammers are not working in fear of punishment, but with fearlessness, security and carelessness. The reason for this is simple and extremely worrying: fraudsters and scammers pay 40 to 60% of the scam money to the police, and for that reason no strict action is taken against them.
This system has turned into a parallel economy of crime and corruption, where scams flourish and ordinary people continue to lose their savings and dignity. In such an environment, it is the institution created for security that becomes an active shield for criminals. Not only does an officer occasionally fall victim to bribery, but the system is gradually molded such that fraudsters know how to negotiate with law enforcement agencies before they start their scams.
This essay explores this reality in detail. It looks at how scandals and fraud have increased, how police officers are accused of sharing profits with scammers, how citizens suffer, and how confidence in the justice system continues to wane. The same thing is going on continuously in all the sections that sharing 40 to 60% of the scam proceeds with the police provides a protective shield to fraudsters and scammers in India today.
Development Of Fraud And Scam Networks In India
Over the past few decades, India has seen unprecedented growth in fraud and scam networks. This network, started by sporadic incidents of petty fraud, has now turned into a huge, complex industry affecting millions of people across the country. The term “scam” in India now encompasses a wide range of criminal activities, from financial fraud, Ponzi schemes and fraudulent investment activities to cyber crime, phishing and online disguise. The spread of these scandals can largely be attributed to two major developments: the rapid adoption of digital technology and systemic weaknesses in law enforcement mechanisms.
With the rise of Internet use and digital banking, opportunities for fraudsters have increased rapidly. Mobile wallets, online banking applications, e-commerce platforms and digital payment systems have transformed India into a digitally empowered economy as well as creating fertile ground for fraudulent individuals. Cheaters exploit the incomprehension of citizens who are eager to adopt modern facilities, but often lack the technical awareness or caution to recognize fraudulent activities. For example, cybercriminals instigate victims to enter sensitive information by creating almost exact copies of banking websites or payment gateways that are then used to withdraw money from their accounts. Similarly, online markets are littered with fake sellers who defraud buyers, offering goods or services that do not actually exist, to the detriment of the victims and leaving them with no recourse.
One of the reasons why these frauds have evolved from sporadic acts into large-scale networks is the cooperative patronage enjoyed by certain elements within the police force. Reports, investigations and anecdotal evidence show that many fraudsters give a large part of their illegal earnings—40% to 60%— to law enforcement officials. This payment, often referred to as an unofficial “security fee”, ensures that these criminal networks operate free of penalties. Instead of being caught or prosecuted, scammers openly continue their business, confident that they have the tacit support of the authorities. This collusion between law enforcement agencies and fraudsters turns a criminal act into a well-planned business operation with clear profit-sharing mechanisms and minimal risk.
The existence of these networks is not confined to urban centres. Small towns and cities, too, where awareness of digital fraud is low, have become centres of such actions. Organized crime gangs set up call centers, fake financial institutions, and online platforms, designed specifically to target gullible citizens. These operations often employ sophisticated methods such as social engineering, hacking, and psychological manipulation to deceive victims. The human aspect plays an important role: scammers are trained to exploit emotions, create urgency and manipulate trust, making it extremely difficult for ordinary citizens to recognize the authenticity of proposals or messages. For example, in the case of romance scams, criminals form long-term emotional relationships with victims online before extorting large sums of money under false claims or false promises of love and marriage.
Although the media often reports such scams, and the government implements measures such as cyber crime cells and financial fraud helplines, the root problem remains largely unresolved. This is because the development of fraud networks is fundamentally linked to corruption. In many cases, police officers turn a blind eye to these activities, not because of their incompetence, but because they profit directly from ongoing scandals. This corrupt system continues a vicious cycle: the more fraudsters succeed, the more the police benefit, and the more trust citizens lose in law enforcement. As a result, the Indian public is becoming skeptical of digital platforms, hesitant to rely on online transactions, and disillusioned with the effectiveness of governance.
The social impact of this growing network of fraud cannot be underestimated. Victims often experience severe psychological trauma, economic ruin, and an erosion of trust in both institutions and communities. Families who have worked hard to accumulate savings for decades may see their wealth disappear within hours due to scandals they could not have imagined. At the same time, the presence of a corrupt security system means that reporting these incidents often provides little relief. The fear of reprisals, and the perception of the authorities’ complicity, leave citizens vulnerable and isolated. This lack of justice promotes social discontent, encourages alternative forms of surveillance justice, and undermines the moral and ideological framework on which society is built.
The development of fraud and scam networks in India reflects the convergence of technological opportunity, social vulnerability and systemic corruption. While on one hand digital tools have empowered citizens in countless positive ways, on the other hand they have also enabled criminals to take advantage of the loopholes and weaknesses of law enforcement. These networks are likely to expand further unless fundamental reforms are undertaken in policing, as well as comprehensive mass education and strict regulatory oversight. Citizens’ confidence in technology, law enforcement and governance is at stake, making it imperative for both policymakers and society to understand the seriousness of the issue. The challenge is not just to catch individual scammers— but to demolish the entire ecosystem that thrives on corruption, greed and systemic negligence.
Arrangement To Share Scam Money
The operation of scam networks spread across India lies not only in the cleverness of fraudsters but also in the deliberate and systematic protection they receive from law enforcement through a secret financial system. This arrangement, which is often informal but highly structured, ensures the continuation and growth of fraudulent activities as well as the creation of a mutually beneficial, albeit illegal, partnership between scammers and police officers. At the core of this arrangement is the practice of sharing a large part— of the proceeds from scams, usually between 40% and 60%— with the police. This informal security charge acts as a tacit contract, protecting offenders from raids, arrests and prosecutions, and essentially converting law enforcement from a deterrent to an accessory.
To understand this system, it is important to view this process as a carefully conceived business operation. When a scammer makes money from any fraudulent activity—whether it is an online investment scam, a fake job offer, a phishing campaign, or a love relationship scam—, a pre-determined portion of the earnings is immediately set aside for distribution among law enforcement personnel. is given. For example, if a scammer earns Rs 10 lakh by defrauding multiple victims, Rs 4 to six lakh are allocated as part of the police. This amount is then distributed among a network of local police officers, cyber crime cell officers, and sometimes high-ranking officers, depending on the scale and visibility of the operation. This arrangement is accurate: each officer knows his or her expected share, and the scammer knows how much he or she will have to pay to continue the work without interference.
The implications of such a system are profound. First, it shifts the priority of law enforcement from upholding justice to maintaining a steady flow of illicit revenues. Officers receiving a certain percentage of scam proceeds are encouraged to protect criminals rather than investigate their crimes. They may inform scammers of pending raids, delay the filing of an official complaint, or deliberately misdirect the investigation. In some cases, vital evidence is destroyed, the phone numbers and digital footprints of perpetrators are changed, and complaints filed by victims are not addressed. This corrupt system makes the police a silent participant in fraudulent activities, allowing scammers to operate openly without penalty.
Consider, for example, the structure of a call centre running fraudulent financial schemes. These centres often operate like legitimate businesses, employing dozens or hundreds of workers. Staff follow strict operating protocols, including scripts designed to psychologically manipulate victims and sophisticated digital methods to avoid capture. A scam call center can earn profits ranging from several lakhs to crores per month. Under security-sharing arrangements, a certain portion of these profits are transferred to police officers at various levels, ensuring that raids are minimal, fines are symbolic, and operations are sustained sustainably. In some cases, local law enforcement agencies may also provide insider information about ongoing investigations, giving scammers the chance to close certain operations in advance or relocate to safer areas.
This financial arrangement extends beyond local enforcement agencies. High-level security may include senior police officers or officers from cybercrime units, creating a multi-level regime of corruption. For large scams worth crores of rupees, the structure of payments is similar to profit-sharing in a legitimate business, with each level of executives getting their predetermined share. This hierarchical distribution not only encourages security, but also discourages any individual official from taking action against scammers, as doing so would impede the flow of revenue to all concerned. The operation becomes self-sustaining, where the more money scammers make, the more corrupt officials invest in their security.
Moreover, the existence of this financial mechanism explains the resilience of the centres of scandal despite repeated media appearances and public outcry. Raids are also often symbolic or cosmetic, with the main purpose of maintaining the public’s perception that law enforcement is taking action. Actual checks are avoided because such measures could jeopardize the lucrative revenue sources that corrupt officials receive. Citizens often wonder why these centres are not permanently closed despite overwhelming evidence. The bitter truth is that these centres are protected precisely because they serve as a constant source of illegal income for the police. As long as scammers continue to “share” themselves, strict action is unlikely, and the cycle of fraud goes on without pause.
This system has long-term consequences for the police system. Honest officials who wish to take action against fraud find themselves discouraged and often marginalized because they refuse to participate in the mechanisms of illegal sharing. The fear of being marked as retaliation, isolation, or an obstacle to revenue discourages honesty and initiative. Over time, systemic corruption returns to normal, undermining the very foundations of law enforcement institutions. Meanwhile, civilians remain the ultimate victims, their grievances are sidelined, cases are put off indefinitely, and their trust in law enforcement agencies is completely shaken.
Therefore, the mechanism of sharing scam money is not a simple act of bribery—it is an organized, structured and highly effective system that continues fraud while undermining law and justice. By turning law enforcement agencies into allies, it allows networks of scandal to operate on an unprecedented scale, devastates citizens’ finances, erodes institutional integrity, and undermines public confidence in governance. Without eliminating this hidden economy of corruption, India’s fight against fraud and scams is incomplete, and millions of citizens are in danger of being victims of repeated harassment.
Persecution Of Citizens
Victims of scams and frauds in India, mainly ordinary citizens—persons who work hard to earn their livelihood, save for the future and rely on the arrangements made for their safety. The effects of fraud are multifaceted, affecting not only financial security, but also mental health, social relationships and trust in institutions. Although the technical complexities of the scandals have increased, the human toll is still immeasurable, and hidden corruption in law enforcement agencies only adds to the suffering of the victims.
Economically, the consequences are disastrous. Many scams are created targeting people who have accumulated savings over the years. Job fraud, investment scams, fake lotteries and online love scams are all designed to extort huge sums of money from unsuspecting victims. For example, a middle-class person who invests in a “guaranteed high-return plan” can lose millions of rupees— money that is meant for children’s education, medical emergencies or retirement. The psychological trauma of losing a lifetime of savings cannot be expressed in words. Sufferers often experience intense stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. In extreme cases, financial losses lead to social stigma, broken families, or even suicidal tendencies. Unlike physical crimes, financial fraud leaves invisible wounds that destroy self-confidence, trust and self-esteem in the long run.
One of the saddest aspects of being a victim is the reaction— or lack thereof— of law enforcement agencies. Citizens approach the police with legitimate complaints in the hope of justice, but they face indifference, delay or blatant hostility. Authorities may refuse to file a complaint, underestimate financial losses, or even convict victims of “falling into a fraud trap”. However, the bitter truth is that police apathy is often deliberate. A large part of the proceeds of the scam—between 40% and 60%— has already been transferred to police accounts, so there is no incentive to seek justice. The authorities remain financially engaged in rescuing the very criminals who have caused the damage, and the victim’s suffering becomes irrelevant in the pervasive corrupt ecosystem.
Victims also face systemic challenges in trying to get their money back. Bureaucratic red tape, lack of transparency and slow judicial processes mean that even theoretically resolvable cases remain unresolved for years. In digital and cyber fraud cases, criminals are particularly difficult to detect due to digital footprints, temporary phone numbers, fake identities, and manipulation of virtual banking systems. When victims file complaints, these manipulations often mean that the case is undermined before it reaches the court. Law enforcement may deliberately fail to gather evidence, delay investigations, or suppress witness statements – all measures designed to ensure that perpetrators survive prosecution. The victims are left trapped between economic ruin and institutional indifference, with a sense of helplessness.
Apart from financial matters, the social and emotional impact is also profound. Cheaters often take advantage of trust, relationships, and emotions to commit their crimes. In love relationship scandals, victims can invest emotionally and financially in relationships that are just for show, leaving them not only pauperized but emotionally devastated. Job and business scams hit the aspirations of young professionals, undermining their confidence and ambition. When scandals are exposed, especially in cases with large financial transactions, victims often face public embarrassment. Shame, guilt, and financial loss have long-term effects on their mental health and interpersonal relationships. Children, family members and friends are indirectly affected, as this trauma also resonates in social networks.
The corruption prevalent in law enforcement agencies further exacerbates this oppression. When citizens understand that police officers themselves benefit from these scandals, their faith in justice is completely lost. Reporting fraud, which should ideally be the first step towards relief, becomes a futile effort. Victims are forced to live in a system where criminals are protected, and those who uphold the law prefer personal gain over public duty. Over time, citizens begin to distrust all authorities and seek alternative means of protection, such as private investigators, vigilante groups or informal networks, which could further destabilize society.
The social implications are also far-reaching. As ordinary citizens lose confidence in law enforcement agencies, the legitimacy of government institutions weakens. People start absorbing the feeling of helplessness within themselves and consider scams as an essential part of life. Communities that could have been a support for victims are undermined because fear of fraud and distrust of institutions promote segregation rather than collective action. The psychological impact is further compounded by financial losses, creating a vicious circle of insecurity, stress and social isolation.
Harassment of citizens is a direct and inevitable result of the combination of criminal manipulation and systemic corruption. Ordinary people, who are legally and morally entitled to security and justice, are instead themselves targeted, exploited and found neglected. Giving 40% to 60% of the proceeds of the scandal to police officers ensures that the victims remain sidelined, and it is the institutions created to protect their rights that become complicit in their misery. The result is a society where trust is eroding, the law has become a commodity, and citizens are living in a constant state of vulnerability, economically, socially and emotionally. Therefore, this section highlights that scams in India are not just crimes of deceit but crimes against the social fabric.
Impact On Law And Order
The principle of law and order is the basis of any organized society. It is an assurance that the rules will be followed impartially, justice will be given impartially, and citizens will be protected from wrongdoing. However, the development of fraud networks in India and their collusion with corrupt elements of the police force have deeply undermined these theories. When criminals are able to work openly by giving a large part of their illegal earnings—40% to 60%— to law enforcement officials, the very concept of justice is destroyed. Law becomes a commodity that can be bought, and social trust in governance is reduced as a result. The consequences of this erosion are very serious, extending far beyond individual victims to destabilizing institutions, demoralizing honest officials and weakening the social fabric.
First, the audacity of criminals is a direct result of this corrupt system. When scammers discover that a large portion of their profits protect them from the law, they are encouraged to expand their operations without fear. Call centers, fake investment companies, phishing networks, and cyber fraud dens thrive in this environment because the risk of capture is minimal. This audacity makes scams even more complicated: criminals invest in technology, hire more employees, and even use psychological manipulation to maximize their profits. Over time, the scale and audacity of fraudulent activities increases, affecting thousands of citizens at once. The audacity of these actions often appears in news of scandals worth crores of rupees, yet there is little legal action, reinforcing the perception that the law favours the rich and corrupt.
Second, this system demoralizes honest law enforcement officers. Officials committed to upholding justice often find themselves isolated or marginalized in an environment where corruption has returned to normal. Refusing to participate in the informal sharing of scam proceeds can lead to career stagnation, intimidation, or internal pressure, which effectively punishes honesty. The presence of a corrupt hierarchy discourages active policing, innovative investigations and independent action. Officials attempting to take action against high-revenue scam networks face bureaucratic hurdles, lack of cooperation, and in some cases, threats from within their own ranks. Over time, the professional character of law enforcement diminishes, and a system is left behind in which corruption and self-interest dominate duty and public service.
The third major impact is on citizens’ perception of the law. Trust is the cornerstone of governance, and when citizens feel that police officers are involved in crime, the legitimacy of the entire justice system is jeopardized. Ordinary people no longer see law enforcement as defenders, but as accomplices of criminals. This leads to a dangerous social mindset in which citizens feel obliged to seek alternative means of justice. Some may turn to private investigators, local watchdog groups, or informal networks operating outside legal boundaries. While these solutions may provide temporary relief, they often lead to the rise of justice, social conflict and even parallel power systems by vigilante groups. Thus, the corruption-fraud nexus destabilizes both formal governance and informal social systems.
Moreover, the erosion of law and order also has long-term consequences for democracy. A democratic society depends on the equitable enforcement of laws and the protection of civil rights. When law enforcement becomes selective and transaction-based, equality before the law is replaced by inequality based on wealth, influence or complicity. Citizens who cannot take security or bribes remain vulnerable, while scammers or those associated with criminal networks take advantage of systemic loopholes. It undermines the social contract, undermines governance and promotes widespread pessimism. In the long term, a society that distrusts its police force is less likely to cooperate with government initiatives, follow rules, or perform civic duties—all of which are vital to a functioning democracy.
It also has consequences for economic and social development. Businesses, both small and large, operate in an environment where fraud is rife and law enforcement security is uncertain unless financial transactions with authorities are secure. Investors may hesitate to invest in areas where corruption allows scams to flourish. Citizens may avoid adopting digital payment methods or online services, which may slow the progress of the digital economy. Socially, treating scandals and corruption as normal leads to an erosion of moral values, creating a culture in which fraud and bribery are tolerated or even considered to be expected. Seeing such systemic failure, young people can become cynical, which can weaken moral conduct and aspirations for public service.
Its deadliest effect is the loss of faith in the principle of justice. When law enforcement officials prefer personal benefits to social welfare, the credibility of the entire governance system is lost. Citizens can stop reporting crimes by assuming that justice is unattainable. Communities can disintegrate, as individuals retreat into self-preservation and distrust neighbors or local entities. Ultimately, the social cohesion required for a healthy, functional society is undermined, leaving the country vulnerable to criminal exploitation, social unrest and institutional collapse.
The impact of fraud and corruption on law and order in India is deep and multidimensional. By giving criminals the opportunity to buy protection from law enforcement agencies, systemic corruption destroys the principles of equality, justice and governance. Citizens suffer not only economically, but also socially and mentally, honest officials lose morale and trust in public institutions is low. The result is a vicious circle in which crime flourishes, corruption is encouraged and society as a whole suffers. To restore law and order, it is not enough to deal with individual scandals alone; Systemic reforms are necessary to break the corrupt nexus between law enforcement agencies and criminals, reinforce moral policing and rebuild citizens’ confidence in the justice system.
Expansion Of Scam Culture
The expansion of scam culture in India today is one of the most horrific manifestations of corruption and criminal manipulation in contemporary society. Over the past few decades, both online and offline scams have grown from sporadic incidents to highly organized networks, largely due to the protective and enabling role of corrupt law enforcement agencies. In many cities, fraudsters and scammers systematically give 40 to 60% of the money they receive from victims directly to police officers. This informal system acts as a kind of protection racket. This allows scammers to operate openly, often without fear of legal repercussions, and has created a perverse incentive structure where it is not only profitable, but also relatively safe to commit fraud.
The system encourages a wide variety of people, especially young people, to enter the field of scandal. Recruitment is rampant in areas where call centers or scam offices operate. Many young men and women, some of whom have just finished school or college, are approached by promising exceptionally high wages and flexible work schedules. They are told that unlike other types of criminal activities, these scams are “safe” because even when a complaint is filed, police officers—who are appointed to act as guardians of justice— are already financially invested in the operation of these fraud networks. Are invested. This assurance of immunity creates a whole generation of young people for whom scamming appears to be a legitimate and lucrative career option.
Once young people are recruited, they are trained in scam techniques: how to psychologically influence victims, how to create fake websites or fake accounts, how to impersonate bank officials or government officials, and how to avoid being caught. These scams become sophisticated over time. Some scam centres employ hundreds of people, working in shifts around the clock, reflecting the industrial scale of modern fraud. Entire neighborhoods or districts, especially in big cities, become hotbeds of scandal. The inhabitants of these areas become dependent, directly or indirectly, on the income generated by scandals, creating a local economy that relies mainly on criminal activities.
Only the participation of police officers helps in maintaining and expanding this system. Without this protective umbrella, many scams will be burdened with the natural burden of legal action. Investigations will be conducted, accounts will be frozen and criminals will be arrested. However, giving 40 to 60% of the proceeds of the scandal to police officers ensures that enforcement mechanisms remain deliberately ineffective. This arrangement also has a contagious effect: as more people look at the success of the scam network and the impunity given to criminals, the more common the fraudulent behavior becomes. Over time, this culture spreads not only in cities, but also in states, creating a web of interconnected fraudulent activities.
This phenomenon has wide-ranging economic and social consequences. It is becoming increasingly difficult to attract honest employees to traditional employment sectors as many young people fall for the easy profits of scandals. Legitimate businesses are suffering from a lack of talent, while the illegal economy is growing unchecked. Social mobility in some urban areas is not linked to hard work or education, but to involvement in fraud. The more scams spread, the stronger they reinforce the notion that crime is an acceptable— and even beneficial— career path.
The expansion of scam culture is directly linked to the systemic corruption that permeates law enforcement. The cyclical nature of the protection, recruitment and normalization of fraud ensures that scams are institutional activities not isolated events. Unless the collusion between police officers and scammers is eliminated, this cycle will continue and the number of individuals, especially youth, coming into the criminal world will continue to increase. The spread of scandal culture is a warning that corruption, combined with impunity, has the power to reshape entire communities and fundamentally undermine social trust and economic stability.
Psychological Impact On Victims And Society
The psychological impact of scams is often overlooked, yet it is one of the most profound and deadly consequences of widespread fraud. Although the immediate consequence of the scandal is economic loss, there is a profound and lasting impact on the mind and emotional health of the victims. Many victims of scams experience deep shame and embarrassment. They have a deep sense that they have often been deceived in very manipulative ways, and may feel that their own decision failed. This internal flaw can prevent victims from sharing their experiences with family, friends, or coworkers, further isolating them emotionally and socially.
The involvement of police corruption further exacerbates this psychological damage. The pain deepens when victims realize that law enforcement officials—jin has an obligation of justice— are colluding with fraudsters. Knowing that between 40 and 60% of the amount scammed is being given to the police creates a deep sense of betrayal. Victims realize that even after filing a formal complaint, there will be no concrete action. The officials who should protect them are engaged in continuing the fraud. This awareness fosters a widespread sense of helplessness and despair, leading victims to question the fairness and integrity of the entire system.
The social consequences of these experiences are significant. Victims of fraud often develop mistrust not only in formal institutions, but also in personal relationships. They begin to shy away from online transactions, the banking system, or even everyday social interactions. Not being able to trust systemic security creates an atmosphere of suspicion and paranoia. Over time, this erosion of trust can undermine social cohesion. Communities that are repeatedly exposed to fraud and police corruption may develop a collective sense of insecurity, which may reduce cooperation among residents and increase conflict.
Furthermore, psychological consequences are not limited to fear and distrust. Many sufferers experience anxiety, depression, and in severe cases post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The feeling of financial insecurity, combined with betrayal by the authorities, can lead to long-lasting emotional trauma. People may experience insomnia, persistent stress, and a general decline in quality of life. For those who were previously socially or economically weak, scams can cause a variety of problems, including debt, social isolation, and even inability to find stable employment.
The wider social impact is equally worrying. As word spreads that police officers are involved in protecting fraudsters, a pessimistic culture emerges. Citizens begin to believe that corruption is permanent and inevitable, and no individual action—, such as filing a complaint—, can lead to justice. This perception discourages civic engagement and demoralizes the public. The involvement of financial systems, digital platforms and government institutions may be reduced as citizens no longer have confidence that they will be protected from any harm. In short, collusion between fraudsters and the police not only traumatizes individual victims, but also undermines social trust, which is the basis of economic and social development.
The psychological effects of scandals highlight that the cost of corruption is more than just financial loss. It strikes at the very fabric of society, undermines trust, undermines social bonds, and creates an environment where fear and suspicion take over. The knowledge that 40 to 60% of the scam money goes to police officers reinforces the notion that justice is unattainable, leading to a cycle of trauma and disillusionment. If society is to be reformed, both the financial and psychological consequences of scandals must be addressed through systematic reforms, ethical policing and public awareness campaigns that empower citizens to recognize and oppose fraudulent practices.
Role Of Cyber Police In Protection From Scams
The emergence of cyber police units in India was initially seen as a major step towards protecting citizens from digital threats. These units were designed to counter the growing threat of online scams, hacking, phishing, identity theft, and other forms of cybercrime. It was intended that technically trained officers would serve as front-line defense, using expertise in IT, digital forensics and online security to identify criminals and protect victims. In theory, cyber police units should have been the most powerful tool against fraudsters in the modern digital economy.
However, the reality in India is completely different. Many cyber police units have become embroiled in the same scams they were created to prevent. Cheaters and scammers often give 40 to 60% of their illegal earnings to cyber police officers, who in turn provide them with protection, guidance, or protection for illegal activities. This corruption undermines the basic purpose of cyber crime units. Instead of prosecuting the perpetrators, these officers often falsify technical reports, claim evidence to be “unexploitable”, or deliberately delay action. Every delay gives scammers the chance to transfer money, change phone numbers, or resume their activities, rendering law enforcement efforts ineffective.
The technical nature of cyber crime brings considerable benefits to corrupt officials. Ordinary citizens have limited knowledge of IP addresses, server logs, and digital transaction tracking. This leaves victims dependent on the expertise of cyber police officers, who can take advantage of the asymmetry of information to protect criminals. Instead of using their skills to demolish fraudulent networks, these officials sometimes ensure the continuation of scams by becoming silent partners, taking huge bribes.
Call centers that commit large-scale scams are an example of cyber policing failure. These centres, sometimes staffed by hundreds of employees, operate openly in some cities. — from across India and even from abroad, victims file complaints, but meaningful action is rarely taken. When raids are carried out, they are often symbolic, to appear legitimate, while the main perpetrators get the information in advance. Cyber police, being financially invested in these scams, rarely pursue cases honestly.
This collusion turns the cyber police into defenders of criminals rather than defenders of the public. Its consequences are far reaching. Victims of cybercrime not only suffer economic losses, but also face frustration and despair when official channels fail. The lack of trust in digital systems is increasing, discouraging online business and banking. Furthermore, the protection offered to scammers ensures that cyber frauds continue to grow, and new entrants are motivated by the clear security and high profits of the trade.
The role of cyber police in India shows how institutional corruption can reverse the objective of security agencies. Instead of protecting citizens, corrupt cyber units make fraudulent networks stronger and safer. Payment of 40 to 60% of the proceeds of the scandal to police officers ensures that law enforcement agencies themselves become a prop for criminals, allowing the cycle of fraud and injustice to continue. Without adequate reforms, cyber police will continue to be embroiled in protecting the very scandals they were created to eliminate, leaving victims vulnerable and society increasingly distrustful of digital governance.
State-Level Scam Protection Networks
On investigating incidents of scams and fraud in India, it becomes clear that these criminal activities are not merely the result of personal greed or opportunistic acts. Rather, a more disturbing and organized mechanism is at work, where police and entire networks within the administrative structure are involved in perpetuating these scams. These networks operate at multiple levels, effectively patronizing fraudsters while undermining the justice system. A key feature of these networks is that they systematically share a portion of the proceeds of the scam with law enforcement officials. Typically, fraudsters and scammers give 40 to 60% of their illegal earnings to the police. This is not a casual or incidental payment; it is a well-established practice that is carefully calculated and expected at each stage of criminal activity.
The distribution of these payments takes place at several hierarchical levels within the law enforcement system. At the most basic level, local police stations receive a portion of the funds, allowing authorities to directly monitor and facilitate the actions of scammers. At the district level, high-ranking officials receive a portion of these funds, encouraging them to ignore complaints or actively hide criminal activities. In some cases, top-level administrative officials also benefit indirectly, whether through direct financial gain or through influence and political pressure. This leads to a structured system in which the protection of criminals is systematically ensured, not the case of sporadic corruption or rogue officials.
This systematic distribution transforms corruption into a full-blown business model. Unlike irregular bribery that occurs on an irregular or opportunistic basis, this network works on forecasting. Fraudsters know exactly how much and to whom they have to pay, and law enforcement officials know exactly what is expected. This process becomes a regular, almost contractual arrangement. Citizens’ complaints are largely treated as a formality, processed in name only, and cases are often marked as “subject to investigation” indefinitely. Meanwhile, the scammers continue their work without interruption. This creates an environment in which organized crime can flourish openly and without consequences, undermining the credibility of law enforcement institutions.
Evidence of these networks appears in the operation of scam call centers and other fraudulent businesses. In many regions, these centres operate almost like legitimate enterprises. These rent business offices, advertise for employees and work openly during regular business hours. The reason why they work so unabated is directly related to the security network. Payments to the police are predictable, regular and transparent enough within the network to give confidence to criminals. This not only helps them work safely, but also encourages them to expand their activities, recruit more employees, and increase their profits. Thus, state-level security networks provide a kind of “infrastructure” for crime, where law enforcement officials themselves become the activators.
The presence of such networks also negatively affects honest officials. When a police officer attempts to take action against these activities, he often faces obstruction from higher authorities. Relocation, administrative punishment and social isolation are common tactics to prevent disruption of the system. As a result, the cycle of corruption continues, honest officials become powerless and the public is left without protection. Citizens are trapped in a situation where reporting crime comes to nothing, and their pleas are ignored, while organized criminals continue to thrive. Therefore, the creation of these networks is not only a legal and moral failure, but also a deep systemic problem, where the law enforcement mechanisms themselves are used to serve criminal enterprises. This state-level complicity makes reform extremely challenging, as it requires not only the enforcement of laws, but the dismantling of the entire system of incentives and corruption that has spread across many levels of the government and police hierarchy.
State-level scam protection networks are more than a series of individual corrupt acts. These are organized, structured systems from which both scammers and law enforcement officials benefit financially, creating an environment in which illegal activities can flourish openly. The systematic sharing of scam money ensures the security and development of criminal enterprises, while also undermining the authority and credibility of law enforcement. Honest officials are sidelined, citizens remain vulnerable, and trust in public institutions is undermined. This is not just a problem of crime; it is a structural failure that threatens the integrity of governance and the principles of justice.
Economics Of Bribery
To understand why scams are increasing so rapidly in India, it is important to analyze the economic aspect of the system of bribery that supports them. The relationship between scammers and law enforcement agencies is essentially economic. Cheaters are willing to pay 40 to 60% of their illegal earnings to the police, yet they continue to do these things because the profits remain too high. This is the main contradiction of this situation: even after sharing a large portion of their earnings with executives, scams are more profitable than many legal businesses, which is why this system persists.
The running costs of a scam are surprisingly low, which increases profits. For example, a typical scam call center simply requires a rented office, some basic computers, an Internet connection, and a group of relatively untrained or semi-trained young employees. These employees are often trained to use motivational scripts to convince victims to transfer money or provide sensitive information. In this scenario, the upper costs are minimal, but the potential benefits are enormous. For example, such operations can earn lakhs of rupees a month, depending on the scale and complexity of the scam. Even after bribing the police—which can amount to up to 60% of the total profit—remaining income is enough for luxurious lifestyle, buying vehicles, investing in other businesses and increasing scam operations.
The economic situation is similarly attractive for law enforcement. Police officers, especially in underfunded or overburdened areas, often find that bribes provide a more straightforward and overpaid alternative to legitimate work. Instead of spending months investigating complex fraud cases—jin efforts can result in minimal concrete results— executives can receive stable, predictable payments from scammers. This illegal income is often several times higher than the official salary. The ease and profitability of not addressing this creates a strong incentive structure that reinforces corruption at all levels of the police hierarchy.
This economic system has many consequences beyond personal greed. Firstly, it creates a strong incentive for both scammers and corrupt officials to maintain the status quo. Scammers continue to work because they are protected, while officials continue to take bribes because it is more of a profit than following official procedures. Honest officials, who could otherwise intervene, often fall behind and are marginalized, because they cannot cope with entrenched economic incentives. This alignment of financial interests ensures the continuation of scandals, making it extremely difficult to demolish such networks.
The wider social implications are serious. Victims of scandals become economically ruined and socially stigmatized, and are left with no hope or recourse for justice. The economic partnership between scammers and corrupt officials creates a distorted incentive structure where honesty and legitimacy are systematically devalued. In other words, the financial gain from illegal activities is far greater than that from legitimate work, making crime, both for individuals and, overall, for society, economically more rational than legitimate labour. This not only undermines law enforcement but also distorts the entire economy, leading more youth to engage in illegal activities as they appear profitable and low-risk.
Moreover, this system also destroys the moral fabric of the society. When the economics of bribery exceeds the economics of honesty, citizens naturally lose faith in law enforcement and governance. The public sees that criminals can operate with impunity while the authorities are involved, leading to frustration, apathy and aversion to civic responsibilities. Communities may be hesitant to cooperate with investigations, report crimes or rely on the judicial system, which increases the cycle of corruption and crime.
The economics of bribery is a major driver of the scam culture in India. Cheaters are encouraged to commit crimes because even after paying bribes, their profits are very high. Police officers are encouraged to ignore crimes because illegal payments often exceed their official income. The result is a self-reinforcing system in which corruption and crime flourish at the expense of honesty, justice and public trust. Understanding this economic logic is vital to any meaningful reform effort, as it highlights the depth of the financial confusion between law enforcement and criminals, and shows that the issue is as much about morality or legality as it is about money. And it is also about encouragement.
Violation Of Public Trust
The deepest and deadliest effect of organized scam-protection networks is the breach of public trust. In any society, citizens place their faith in law enforcement and governance as the primary guardians of justice, security and order. When these institutions fail to live up to their responsibilities, the consequences are not only financial, but also deeply moral and social. In India, where scams are rampant and organized networks exist to protect fraudsters, knowing that criminals give 40 to 60% of their illegal earnings to the police—and this is the reason for inaction— represents a major betrayal of this trust.
Public trust acts like the invisible thread that binds society together. It is expected that the police will act impartially, justice will be served, and the law will apply equally to all. When this trust is broken, it has wide-ranging consequences. Victims of scams may hesitate to report crime, assuming that complaints are pointless or will be ignored. Citizens may avoid contacting law enforcement agencies for fear of harassment or exploitation. The justice system, which depends on cooperation between the public and the authorities, is paralysed. When people feel that only those who can make their way into the system by paying or bribing receive security or justice, the law enforcement agencies lose their legitimacy.
This betrayal also fosters a culture of pessimism and moral compromise. When citizens see that fraudsters act free of punishment and police officers profit from these crimes, the boundaries between legal and illegal behavior become blurred. People may begin to rationalize dishonesty, believing that breaking or breaking the law is necessary for success. Young people in particular are sensitive to these signs. They see lucrative scandals protected by corrupt officials and may consider legitimate work less fruitful or less viable, further deepening criminal behavior in society.
The erosion of public confidence also has political and social consequences. When citizens lose faith in governance, they turn away from democratic processes. Participation in elections, civic activism, and community surveillance are declining as there is a growing perception that the system serves only the wealthy or influential. Corruption and scandals, therefore, not only harm individuals economically; they also undermine the frameworks that lay the foundations for democracy, social cohesion and equitable development. Thus, the invasion of public trust becomes far more dangerous than the scandals themselves as it strikes at the foundations of society, undermining both law and governance.
Moreover, the psychological impact on civilians cannot be underestimated. Victims often experience feelings of helplessness, frustration and disillusionment. They see the same criminals continue their activities while law enforcement agencies collect bribes and remain silent. This repeated exposure to systemic corruption increases feelings of injustice and alienation, which can lead to widespread social unrest. Communities may lose confidence in public entities to the extent that it becomes normal for surveillance to become completely disconnected from justice, informal dispute resolution, or civic engagement.
The loss of public trust is the end result of a network protecting against scams. It undermines the moral authority of law enforcement agencies, undermines the legitimacy of governance, and destabilizes social cohesion. Citizens are disillusioned, alienated, and often financially ruined, while criminals and corrupt officials continue to flourish. Unlike financial losses, which are direct and immediate, the erosion of trust has long-term and generation-to-generation consequences, making it one of the most dangerous byproducts of corruption. For any nation, the undermining of public confidence not only marks the failure of law enforcement, but also constitutes a systemic threat to democracy, social order and the moral foundations of society.
Long-Term Consequences For Democracy
Democracy, at its core, is a system of governance where citizens exercise power through free and fair elections, and where institutions act transparently, freely and impartially to uphold the rule of law. However, widespread scams in India and collusion between fraudsters and law enforcement agencies deeply undermine these principles. When fraudsters and scammers systematically give 40 to 60% of their illegal earnings to the police, this indicates a fundamental departure from the intended role of law enforcement. Instead of being neutral defenders of the public interest, the police gradually turn into facilitators or private security personnel for criminals, thereby eroding the fundamental pillars of democracy.
The long-term consequences of this change are manifold and extremely fatal. First and foremost, corruption goes beyond the police to infiltrate other organs of governance. Administrative institutions, regulatory bodies, tax authorities and even elected officials can begin to adopt the same pattern, when it becomes clear that bribery and economic influence are being tolerated, or even rewarded. Over time, a broader culture emerges where institutional decisions are dictated not by law, justice, or merit, but by who makes the most profits. In such a system, public policies cease to be instruments of the collective good, but become instruments of private gain and favouritism. This is in stark contrast to democratic governance, which is based on equality, fairness and transparency.
Another serious consequence is the erosion of public confidence in the electoral process and the political system. Democracy depends not only on voting, but also on the belief that elected representatives are capable of bringing about change and maintaining law and order. When citizens see that scams continue with the direct or indirect support of law enforcement agencies, they begin to lose hope that elections can make a real difference. People start believing that no matter who comes to power, corruption and crime will continue unabated. This erosion of trust is particularly damaging because it discourages civic engagement, voter engagement and active oversight of civil society. Citizens can be politically apathetic, assuming that no democratic system can counter the entrenched nexus of crime and corruption.
Its consequences for the moral and social fabric of the nation are equally serious. For decades, such systemic corruption has been destroying the democratic spirit. Democracy is not just a mechanism for voting; it is a culture of engagement, accountability and civic responsibility. When compromises are made with the police, a symbol of law and order, ordinary citizens feel powerless. They do not consider themselves equal partners in governance, but victims of a rigged system. Freedom, considered the basic experience of democracy, is overshadowed by a pervasive sense of fear, helplessness and injustice. Citizens feel trapped in a maze where the powerful avoid accountability while the common man bears the brunt of systemic corruption. This psychological and social trauma undermines community cohesion and fosters pessimism, which is detrimental to democratic development.
Moreover, the compromising nature of the police has legal implications that undermine justice. Courts depend on investigations conducted by law enforcement agencies; indirectly the judicial system is also compromised if the police are selectively enforcing the law or deliberately condoning certain crimes in exchange for bribes. Criminals escape punishment while honest citizens are arbitrarily enforced. Over time, this distortion of justice returns to normal, creating a society where legitimacy is relative, depending on wealth, influence, or relationships. The longer it lasts, the more deeply the democratic process and its institutions will deteriorate, and only nominal democracy will remain in India— a system that conducts elections but fails to ensure justice, fairness or accountability.
Its long-term consequences for democracy are serious and multifaceted. Collusion between scammers and the police erodes institutional integrity, spreads corruption in governance structures, erodes public confidence in the electoral process, undermines civic engagement and undermines the rule of law. Democracy without credible institutions and public confidence is not democracy in practice, but an empty shell that exists only superficially. Unless these entrenched networks of bribery and patronage are dismantled, the democratic spirit in India will continue to weaken, pushing the country down a dangerous path where freedom and justice are more nominal than real.
Silent Acceptance Of Society
Systemic collusion between scammers and law enforcement agencies is worrying in itself, but another level of complexity lies in the tacit acceptance of such corruption by certain sections of society. This acceptance can be understood as a mixture of fear, complacency, and treating corrupt practices as normal. Millions of ordinary citizens know that fraudsters regularly give 40 to 60% of their earnings to the police, yet many remain silent. This silence is often motivated by self-defense, as those who speak openly may fear reprisals from criminal networks or corrupt law enforcement officials. Some argue this as a fact of life, assuming the belief that corruption is inevitable and cannot be changed. This normalization is extremely dangerous because it ensures the existence and continuity of corrupt systems without any meaningful opposition.
The social acceptance of corruption also has economic and cultural dimensions. In many local communities, scam money is reinvested in legitimate-looking activities such as construction, retail trade, festivals, and local infrastructure. For example, a building or shopping complex financed from illegal profits can benefit dozens of people, from shopkeepers and employees to construction workers. Festivities or community events sponsored with such funds can temporarily bring a sense of prosperity and joy. When ordinary citizens benefit indirectly from these scandals, they are less likely to question the source of the funds. This creates an environment where corruption is not only tolerated, but also encouraged in secret because it seems to bring tangible benefits at the local level.
Psychologically, tacit acceptance promotes a dangerous generalizing effect. When corrupt practices are ubiquitous and unpunished, the younger generation can assimilate these behaviors as socially acceptable. Children and young people grow up seeing that money, influence and bribes are effective means of circumventing laws and regulations. They learn that hard work, honesty, and ethical behavior often do not produce comparable rewards. Over time, this creates a culture where moral compromise becomes normal, and civic responsibility is not emphasized. Social tolerance for scandals, therefore, perpetuates the cycle of corruption over generations, making reform increasingly difficult.
Another important aspect of tacit acceptance is the weakening of collective action. Social change depends on public awareness, mobilization and resistance against corrupt systems. When a large section of society remains silent due to fear or indifference, the capacity for collective resistance is reduced. Activists, informers and reformers often face enormous challenges in confronting corruption-rooted systems as the majority either turn a blind eye or join them. Without social pressure, political leaders and law enforcement agencies have little incentive to implement reforms, allowing corrupt alliances to persist indefinitely.
The tacit acceptance of corruption by society complements and reinforces the structural collusion between scammers and the police. Corruption does not flourish alone; It requires both supply and demand—cheaters willing to pay bribes and a society that tolerates it. When silence becomes the norm, it contributes as much to systemic corruption as direct payments by criminals to law enforcement agencies. Unless social attitudes change and citizens collectively reject both scandals and their protection mechanisms, moral and institutional degradation will continue, and democracy and justice will continue to be destroyed on an even deeper level.
Conclusion
The intersection of police corruption, systemic bribery and social tolerance is the backbone of India’s current scam system. From cyber police collusion to state-level scam protection mechanisms, fraudsters ensure the continuation of illegal activities by giving law enforcement agencies 40 to 60% of the scam amount. This arrangement is not just an exchange of transactions; it is a structural mechanism that promotes criminal activities, undermines governance and undermines public confidence.
Its long-term implications are clear. Democracy is affected when institutions that protect the public begin to protect criminals. The moral and social fabric deteriorates when citizens lose faith in justice and civic responsibility. Society itself, by tacitly tolerating corruption, unwittingly becomes an ally in maintaining these mechanisms. The combined effect of institutional betrayal and social acceptance threatens to transform India’s democratic structure from a system of accountability and fairness to a nominal democracy, based on elections, but devoid of real justice or citizen empowerment.
Combating this scourge requires coordinated action on several fronts: institutional reforms to restore police impartiality, legal frameworks that severely punish complicity, and a cultural shift in society that refuses to recognize corruption as inevitable. Unless these measures are implemented, the cycle of scandals, bribery and institutional compromises will continue, undermining democracy, disillusioning citizens, and justice will become increasingly elusive.
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