Himachal Pradesh is witnessing an alarming rise in cybercrime, with residents losing a staggering Rs 132 crore to scammers in 2025 alone, out of which Rs 29 crore has been frozen. The state has seen a surge in cybercrime cases, from 8,077 complaints in 2023 to 12,249 in 2024, and 18,706 complaints in 2025.
Scammers are using tactics like digital arrests, phishing links, fake investment platforms, job scams, and social media impersonation to target people. “Cybercrime has become a highly organised global industry,” says ASP Narveer Singh Rathour. “Experts call it ‘Crime-as-a-Service’, where criminals rent tools, buy stolen data, and run professional fraud operations. The criminals also sell sensitive data like phone numbers, banking details, and identity documents, on illegal online markets. Also, criminal networks operate across borders, making detection and investigation more complex.”
“Artificial intelligence has added a new dimension. Fraudsters can now generate fake voices, clone faces, and send highly convincing messages that appear genuine. This makes scams harder to detect and more dangerous,” said the ASP.
The state police have established dedicated Cyber Crime police stations and cyber cells to ensure that such cases are registered and resolved at the earliest. Along with this, emphasis is being laid on promoting cybercrime helpline number 1930. Additionally, awareness campaigns are being organised in schools, colleges, and rural areas, and police officials are being trained in digital forensics and financial investigation.
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