A sharp rise in online fraud cases has pushed India’s national cybercrime helpline 1930 to record nearly 3.24 crore calls in 2025, averaging almost 1 call every second. Officials say the surge reflects both growing cyber threats and increased awareness among citizens.
Alongside the spike in complaints, authorities blocked more than 9.42 lakh SIM cards during the year. Cybercriminals are increasingly using fraudulent calls and messages to extract sensitive personal and financial data, making the helpline a critical support system.
Data over the last 3 years shows a steep upward trend. Calls increased from 96.4 lakh in 2023 to 2.21 crore in 2024, and further to 3.24 crore in 2025. While the growth rate slowed from 130% in 2024 to 46.4% in 2025, the overall volume continued to rise significantly.
On a daily basis, the helpline handled an average of 88,976 calls in 2025, compared to 26,411 calls in 2023, marking more than a 3x increase in 2 years. Operated by state police departments under central oversight, the helpline serves as a key platform for reporting cybercrime incidents.
Officials attribute the surge to the rapid adoption of digital payments, online services, and smartphones across the country. Common complaints include financial fraud, identity theft, phishing attacks, and social media account hacking.
The helpline plays a crucial role in early response, especially in financial fraud cases where quick reporting can help freeze stolen funds. However, the rising volume of calls is also putting pressure on existing systems. “The scale of calls shows two things – cybercrime is rising and people are reporting more. Both are important signals.””
To address these challenges, the government is working on a multi-pronged strategy. This includes expanding cyber police stations across states and Union Territories, improving coordination between agencies, and targeting organised and cross-border fraud networks.
Efforts are also underway to upgrade the 1930 helpline with better-trained staff, standardised processes, and improved capacity. Authorities are focusing on data-driven awareness campaigns to help states identify patterns and prevent cybercrime more effectively.
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