Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has launched a major crackdown on cybercrime and online financial fraud by blocking 1,836 illegal loan apps and taking down more than 5,000 fake websites used for financial scams. The state is also preparing a comprehensive cybercrime prevention project focused on stronger enforcement, technological surveillance and public awareness.
Loan Apps And Fake Sites Blocked
The announcement was made by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala during a discussion in the State Assembly on the growing number of cybercrime cases. He said digital financial fraud has become a serious concern in Kerala and that police are taking strict measures to curb such offences.
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During the Assembly debate, it was revealed that more than 42,000 people in Kerala fell victim to cybercrime last year, suffering losses exceeding ₹814 crore. Nearly half of the total amount was lost through online trading app scams.
Fraudsters also targeted victims using fake traffic challan notices, bogus electricity and utility bill payment links, and other fraudulent online payment portals.
₹814 Crore Lost To Cybercrime
The Home Minister said more than 1,000 cybercrime cases are reported annually from each district of the state. Based on complaints received from victims, police are registering cases under Section 66D of the Information Technology Act and Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Authorities are also continuing action against fake websites and unauthorised digital platforms used to facilitate cyber fraud.
Chennithala said internet access to 1,836 loan apps operating without approval from the Reserve Bank of India has been blocked. In addition, more than 5,000 fraudulent websites used in financial scams have been removed. Kerala Police are also carrying out continuous cyber patrolling to detect suspicious online activities.
Online Gaming Also Under Watch
Chennithala highlighted the growing misuse of online gaming platforms for financial fraud. He warned that children are particularly vulnerable to such schemes and said the government is conducting awareness programmes in schools and educational institutions.
According to the state government, technological enforcement alone is not sufficient to combat cybercrime. Equal emphasis is being placed on improving cyber awareness among citizens through coordinated campaigns.
Commenting on the initiative, renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said cybercriminals increasingly exploit fake loan apps, fraudulent investment platforms, phishing websites and social engineering techniques to gain victims’ trust.
He said strong technological measures must be supported by digital literacy, timely reporting and careful verification of online platforms before conducting financial transactions.
