Stronger reporting systems and quicker police action have helped reduce cyber fraud cases in Goa this year. Officials said the total fraud amount reported during Jan–Feb 2026 has fallen by 30% compared to the same period last year.
According to Rahul Gupta, SP (Crime), the cyber crime cell managed to freeze 43% of the money defrauded from victims in Feb 2026. Police have frozen around ₹3.6 crore so far this year.
Gupta said the improvement came after the state government directed police to register zero e-FIRs in cyber fraud cases where the amount involved is above ₹1. This step allows victims to quickly file cases and helps authorities restore the defrauded money through court orders.
Police have also been helping victims submit restoration applications in courts. Authorities say growing awareness among residents has also contributed to the drop in cyber fraud incidents.
However, several common scams are still being reported. Fraudsters often run investment scams by adding victims to WhatsApp groups and promising high returns. In some cases, victims receive fake vehicle challans containing malicious links that hack their phones once clicked.
“Digital arrest” scams are also continuing. Gupta explained, “Whenever any cyber fraud is reported through 1930 cyber helpline or the national cyber crime reporting portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in), the money trail is analysed through the system and promptly followed up by Goa cyber cell staff with nodal officers of various banks and financial intermediaries.”
He added that the cloud-based 1930 helpline centre monitors all calls through senior officers to ensure quick action and proper support for victims. Early reporting increases the chances of freezing stolen funds.
Police recently arrested 2 suspects in separate cyber fraud cases. Manojbhai Bhimbhai Vasava, 40, from Gujarat, was arrested in Bharuch for a fraud worth ₹7.7 lakh. Another accused, Mohan Kalve, a resident of Hubballi, was arrested for a fraud of ₹14.7 lakh.
In the first case, a resident of Bandora reported receiving a fake bank message containing an apk file. After installing it, the victim’s phone was locked and ₹7.7 lakh was transferred to accounts linked to the accused.
In the second case, a resident of Miramar was threatened by fraudsters impersonating officials from TRAI and the Supreme Court of India, who falsely accused her of Aadhaar misuse for SIM cards and forced a “digital arrest” before extorting ₹14.7 lakh.
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