Digital fraud is becoming a growing concern across Himachal Pradesh, with Shimla, Mandi and Dharamshala emerging as key cybercrime hotspots. Official police data shows that cybercrime police stations in these 3 regions have registered 48 cases so far this year.
Shimla recorded the highest number, with 19 cases, followed by Mandi with 15 and Dharamshala with 14. Victim figures also remain high, with Shimla reporting 12 victims, Kangra 10 and Mandi 9. Police officials clarified that registered cases and victim counts are separate datasets, but both point to a steady rise in digital fraud.
AI-driven scams and new fraud methods
Investigators have observed increasingly complex scams in which criminals use artificial intelligence to create convincing emails and messages that appear genuine.
Common tactics include fake investment platforms promising high returns, fraudulent job offers, work-from-home schemes and scam groups on messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram. UPI and QR code payment frauds are also increasing, alongside social media impersonation, OTP theft and attempts to gain access to bank accounts.
Fraudsters often pressure victims to act quickly or lure them with attractive financial returns to make them transfer money or share confidential information.
Police strengthen cybercrime awareness
To tackle these threats, Himachal Pradesh Police has set up dedicated cybercrime police stations and specialised cyber cells across the state. Police teams are conducting awareness campaigns in schools, colleges and rural areas to educate people about digital fraud.
Authorities are also sharing advisories on social media to alert citizens to emerging scams. They have urged people to verify unknown contacts and remain cautious about unexpected payment demands or requests for sensitive information.
Safety measures and quick reporting
Police have advised citizens never to share OTPs, ATM PINs or online banking passwords. People should avoid unverified links and must not transfer money in response to unsolicited calls or messages without checking the sender.
Officials also recommend enabling 2-factor authentication, using strong and separate passwords, updating device operating systems and avoiding financial transactions over unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
Quick reporting can help prevent further losses. Anyone targeted by online fraud should immediately call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 so authorities can try to block fraudulent transfers before the money moves through other bank accounts.
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