Himachal Pradesh Faces Rs 114 Crore Threat from Cybercriminals
Cybercrime has become a pressing issue in Himachal Pradesh, with residents falling victim to scams amounting to nearly Rs 114 crore over the past year. The state’s cyber cell has reported that one out of every three individuals in the state has been targeted by cybercriminals.
Five years’ worth of data, up to April 2025, revealed a staggering 39,072 cybercrime complaints registered in the state, with approximately 22,000 cases related to financial fraud. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of State CID Cybercrime, Mohit Chawla, emphasized that cyber fraudsters spare no one, often preying on vulnerable groups such as senior citizens and women. These scammers employ various tactics including digital arrest, sextortion, fake investment schemes promising high returns in stocks and cryptocurrencies, as well as lottery scams.
Chawla stressed the importance of staying vigilant and informed about cybercrimes and the strategies used by scammers to deceive unsuspecting individuals. Authorities have issued warnings to the public, advising them to exercise caution when dealing with suspicious links, refrain from sharing personal or financial information with strangers, avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, and regularly update their passwords.
In an effort to combat the escalating rates of cybercrime, law enforcement has implemented several initiatives. This includes the deployment of cyber commandos throughout the state and the establishment of a cutting-edge cyber forensic lab known as “i-Crack” (Investigation-Aided Cyber Forensic Repository Analysis and Core Keyframe).
The police department has urged residents to report any suspected cybercrimes promptly by calling the toll-free helpline number 1930 for immediate assistance. Presently, the state receives an average of 350 to 400 cybercrime complaints daily, indicating the prevalence and severity of this pervasive issue.
As cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics and target unsuspecting victims, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant, cautious, and informed about cybersecurity measures to safeguard themselves and their personal information from falling into the hands of malicious actors. By working together with law enforcement agencies and adopting proactive cybersecurity practices, residents can play a pivotal role in reducing the incidence of cybercrimes and protecting the digital integrity of Himachal Pradesh.