In response to the rising cases of cybercrime, police in Aligarh have launched a major digital crackdown. As part of this operation, more than 1,400 suspected mobile numbers and IMEI identifiers have been blocked so far, while around 400 numbers are currently under active surveillance. Authorities believe this step is crucial in weakening expanding cyber fraud networks.
According to officials, cybercriminals often rely on fake identities, cloned mobile numbers, and bank accounts spread across different states to execute frauds. In many cases, even small-scale scams are found to be part of larger interstate or international networks, making detection and tracking extremely challenging.
So far this year, a total of 2,846 cyber fraud complaints have been registered, involving financial losses of approximately ₹7.54 crore. Out of this, swift police action has helped freeze and recover around ₹2.49 crore, accounting for nearly 33 percent of the total reported losses.
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Blocking IMEIs and Building Inter‑State Digital Shields
Authorities stated that a multi-layered strategy is being implemented to combat cybercrime. Under this approach, suspicious mobile numbers and IMEI identifiers are being traced and blocked in coordination with police departments across different districts, ensuring they cannot be reused for further fraud activities.
The cyber cell reported that since January 1, more than 1,400 mobile numbers and IMEIs have been blocked. These numbers were allegedly involved in fraudulent calls, online scams, OTP theft, and social media-based fraud activities. Additionally, about 400 suspicious numbers remain under continuous monitoring.
Officials highlighted that cybercrime is no longer restricted to a single city or state. Criminals often operate from different regions or even foreign locations, making use of digital platforms to execute frauds, which significantly complicates identification and location tracking.
Even in small fraud cases, technical analysis is now being used to identify and trace mobile numbers and IMEIs. These are then blocked in coordination with police agencies in other states to prevent further misuse.
Cyber‑Cell’s Technical Focus and Fraud‑Pattern Shift
According to cyber cell officials, several of the blocked numbers were found to be involved not only in financial fraud but also in OTP scams, phishing links, and banking-related cyber offenses.
Authorities also emphasized that enforcement alone is not sufficient to combat cybercrime. A large-scale awareness campaign is being conducted simultaneously. Police teams have been assigned across all local stations to reach households and educate citizens about cyber fraud prevention techniques.
Personnel are actively distributing pamphlets, conducting outreach programs, and interacting with residents during foot patrols to raise awareness about online safety and fraud prevention.
Awareness and Enforcement Combined Against Cyber‑Fraud
Experts also believe that while technological monitoring is essential, public awareness remains the most critical factor in preventing cyber fraud, as many victims still fall prey to fake calls and malicious links. Cybersecurity experts and former IPS officer Professor Triveni Singh stated that cybercrime has evolved beyond a technical challenge into a psychological warfare tactic. According to him, criminals exploit human emotions such as urgency, greed, and lack of awareness to trap victims. He further emphasized that without digital awareness among citizens, it will be extremely difficult to eliminate such networks completely.
Officials confirmed that the campaign will continue in the coming days with intensified efforts to dismantle the entire cyber fraud ecosystem and neutralize interconnected networks involved in digital financial crimes.
