Shimla: Cyber fraudsters have allegedly swindled ₹77.84 crore from residents of Himachal Pradesh in the first nine months of the year, highlighting the growing threat of online scams across the state. More than 14,000 cybercrime complaints were recorded between January and September, while 44 formal cases were registered at the state’s three cyber police stations.
An analysis by the State CID’s Cyber Crime Cell has indicated an increase in cybercrime cases compared with the trends observed over the past five years. Despite regular public awareness campaigns and police advisories, fraudsters continue to target people through different methods, including fraudulent calls, fake links, unauthorised digital transactions and investment schemes.
The figures underline the scale of the challenge facing cyber police as criminals continue to develop new tactics to obtain personal information and gain access to victims’ bank accounts.
Shimla records highest number of cases
Of the 44 cases registered by September, the Shimla Cyber Police Station recorded 19 FIRs, followed by 14 at the Mandi Cyber Police Station and 11 at the Dharamshala Cyber Police Station.
The police have also received more than 14,000 complaints related to cybercrime during the nine-month period. However, the number of complaints is significantly higher than the number of formal cases registered, reflecting the distinction between complaints received and cases converted into FIRs.
Cybercriminals are reportedly using text messages, phone calls and misleading online offers to lure victims into sharing sensitive financial information. Common tactics include messages claiming that electricity bills are pending, offers to increase credit card limits and links that prompt users to disclose personal or banking details.
UPI, call and investment fraud among major categories
The data provided by the Cyber Crime Cell lists several categories of fraud, including UPI-related scams, fraudulent calls, banking fraud and investment-related deception.
The reported amounts involved in different categories are as follows:
| Type of cyber fraud | Amount reported |
|---|---|
| Call fraud | ₹10.31 crore |
| UPI-related fraud | ₹7.97 crore |
| App-based investment fraud | ₹4.90 crore |
| Investment fraud | ₹3.47 crore |
| Bank fraud | ₹3.17 crore |
| Unauthorised UPI transactions | ₹2.30 crore |
| Shopping fraud | ₹1.58 crore |
| ATM/debit/credit card fraud | ₹1.54 crore |
| Job fraud | ₹1.51 crore |
| Fake links | ₹1.38 crore |
Note: These figures represent the amounts listed under the specified fraud categories. Their relationship to the overall reported loss of ₹77.84 crore requires clarification, as the listed categories do not account for the entire amount.
Sharing bank details can lead to financial losses
Police have cautioned people against sharing bank details and other sensitive information with unknown individuals.
According to the police, fraudsters use information obtained from victims to carry out unauthorised transactions and withdraw money from their bank accounts. Criminals may seek such details by impersonating officials, sending deceptive messages or making promises related to banking services.
The police have advised residents to remain alert when receiving suspicious calls or messages, particularly those involving urgent payment requests, electricity bills, credit card limits or links requiring personal information.
Police urge people to protect personal information
The Cyber Crime Police have urged the public not to disclose sensitive information such as dates of birth, Aadhaar numbers, PAN details, banking credentials or other personal data to unknown persons.
Residents have also been advised to exercise caution before clicking on links received through text messages or other online platforms and to verify the authenticity of requests claiming to originate from banks or government agencies.
With cyber fraud continuing to pose a financial risk to residents, police awareness campaigns and preventive advisories remain important tools in reducing the number of victims. Authorities are urging people to exercise caution during digital transactions and report suspected fraud promptly to limit potential losses.