Cybercrime Surge: Himachal Faces Digital Fraud Explosion, up by nearly 52%
Cybercrime is rising at an alarming pace in the state, with complaints shooting up by nearly 52% in just one year. Police data shows 18,706 cases were reported in 2025, compared to 12,249 in 2024. The numbers have more than doubled since 2023, highlighting how quickly online fraud is spreading.
Officials say this surge mirrors a global trend where cybercrime has transformed into a structured industry. Scams now range from AI-generated phishing emails and fake investment platforms to job frauds, UPI and QR code scams, OTP theft, and social media impersonation.
Narvir Singh Rathour, Additional Superintendent of Police at the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, explained that cybercrime is no longer the work of lone hackers. “It has become a highly organised global industry. Experts call it ‘Crime-as-a-Service,’ where criminals rent hacking tools, buy stolen data, and run professional fraud operations,” he said.
Illegal online marketplaces make it easy to trade personal information like phone numbers, banking details, and identity documents. Many of these networks operate across borders, making investigations more complex.
Artificial intelligence has added another layer of danger. Fraudsters can now clone voices, create deepfake videos, and craft convincing messages that look authentic. “This makes scams more dangerous and much harder to detect,” Rathour warned.
To fight back, the state police have set up dedicated Cyber Crime Police Stations, linked systems with the national Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), promoted the 1930 cyber fraud helpline, and launched awareness drives in schools, colleges, and rural areas. Officers are being trained in digital forensics, while banks are working closely with police to block fraudulent transactions quickly.
Authorities urge citizens to stay alert: never share OTPs or passwords, double-check links before clicking, avoid urgent payment requests without verification, enable two-factor authentication, use strong passwords, and keep software updated.
