Cyber fraud in Himachal : Residents lose ₹44 crore

Cybercrime is rapidly becoming a menace in Himachal Pradesh. In the past seven months alone, cybercriminals have managed to dupe residents out of a staggering ₹44 crore. The situation is alarming, with reports indicating that nearly every other day, someone in the state falls prey to these online scams. The State CIT’s Cyber Cell has revealed that cybercrime cases have increased fourfold compared to the last four years, reflecting the growing threat.

Despite the best efforts of the cyber police, who regularly issue advisories to keep the public informed, the fraudsters continue to find new victims. The data paints a concerning picture: so far this year, over 5,000 cybercrime complaints have been filed, with 110 of those cases specifically involving cyber fraud and violations of the IT Act.

By July this year, cybercriminals had stolen ₹44 crore from people across the state. In Shimla alone, frauds amounting to ₹16.5 crore were reported, while Mandi saw ₹17.5 crore and Dharamshala ₹10 crore in losses. To put the situation into perspective, back in 2019, 2020, and 2021, the average daily number of cybercrime complaints was just 11. That number rose to 23 in 2023, and now, in 2024, it has exploded to an astonishing 260 complaints per day. Additionally, the cyber police are receiving 375 complaints every week related to IT Act violations. In response to this alarming trend, the police have once again urged the public to stay vigilant and protect themselves from cyber fraud.

Hackers Draining Bank Accounts Through Phone Hacks

DIG Cyber Crime Mohit Chawla explained how these criminals operate. Many victims unknowingly share their bank details or other sensitive information with the fraudsters, who then use this data to drain their accounts. In some cases, victims are tricked into downloading apps that allow the fraudsters to hack into their phones, giving them access to bank accounts and allowing them to steal money with ease. The public is strongly advised to be cautious and avoid sharing personal information or downloading suspicious apps.