Cybercrime 6 times higher since 2015 — PSD

AMMAN — The Cybercrime Unit of the Public Security Directorate (PSD) on Tuesday revealed that cybercrimes have increased six-fold since 2015, attributing the surge to the widespread use of technology, smartphone applications and social media.

The unit also explained that due to a growing understanding of rights and ability to litigate, the number of registered crimes increased, as victims are encouraged to file legal complaints.

According to a 2022 report, cybercrimes rose six-fold over the last seven years, jumping from 2,305 cases in 2015 to 16,027 cases in 2022. 

The unit affirmed that it continues to implement educational campaigns on the dangers of cybercrime in light of the widespread use of social media, which has facilitated the disruption of societal peace through a number of issues, including child abuse, with cases amounting to 133, hate speech and inciting strife, with 113 cases. A number of perpetrators have been arrested, according to the PSD.

Highlighting the emergence of modern criminal methods, such as digital sorcery methods, sexual exploitation, theft of electronic wallets and others, the unit pointed to the increase of cyber fraud cases, which reached 2,118 cases in 2022.

Similarly, instances of cyber extortion increased, reaching 1,285 cases, while defamation, libel and contempt cases amounted to 3,769.

Cases of threatening violence or damage amounted to 3,466, while hacking cases amounted to 2,115, the unit added.

The Cybercrime Unit affirmed that it will handle cybercrime through digital tracking, including cross-border cases such as electronic fraud or account theft, under the umbrella of Interpol and through the Arab and International Police Department, to identify the identity of criminals and take legal action against them.

Calling on social media users to exercise caution when using these platforms, the unit also urged the public to avoid filling in or sending any personal information to unreliable websites, and refrain from clicking fake links that are sent to them for the purposes of hacking their personal accounts.

The unit stressed the need to monitor children when using smartphones or computers, protect them from abuse or bullying through messaging platforms, applications or electronic games that may carry psychological risks.