Cybercrime complaints reported from Punjab on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal rose more than sixfold between 2021 and 2024, increasing from 7,430 to 49,200, while another 29,143 complaints were registered in the first six months of 2025.
The sharp rise reflects the growing volume of reported online fraud and other digital offences in the state. Complaints increased to 22,690 in 2022 and 33,067 in 2023 before reaching 49,200 in 2024. The steepest increase came between 2021 and 2022, when the number more than tripled.
In 2024, Punjab recorded an average of about 135 cybercrime complaints a day. During the first six months of 2025, the daily average increased to nearly 161 complaints.
Cyber Frauds Involve More Than ₹740 Crore
Cyber fraud has also resulted in substantial reported financial losses. Information provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Rajya Sabha on March 12, 2025, showed that Punjab had reported 75,087 cyber fraud incidents on the NCRP by February 28, 2025. The amount involved in these cases was approximately ₹740.93 crore.
Authorities were able to place a lien or freeze action on around ₹101.51 crore. Reported cases include fake investment schemes, UPI fraud, “digital arrest” scams, impersonation of police and government officials, social media fraud and other online offences.
Officials have clarified that an NCRP complaint does not automatically become an FIR or establish that a crime has been proved. Complaints are scrutinised by law enforcement agencies, which decide whether a case should be registered and what further action is required.
Proposal for Conducting Cyber Crisis Drill, Tabletop Exercise (TTEx) & CCMP Readiness Exercise
Punjab Introduces e-Zero FIR Mechanism
Punjab Police introduced an e-Zero FIR mechanism in July 2026 for eligible cyber financial fraud cases involving more than ₹5 lakh. Complaints received through the NCRP or the 1930 cybercrime helpline can be automatically converted into e-Zero FIRs and routed through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems to the relevant cybercrime police station.
Cases involving fraud of ₹1 crore or more are being referred to the State Cyber Crime Police Station in Mohali for investigation.
Reports from Punjab Police’s Cyber Crime Wing in October 2024 indicated that Mohali, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala and Amritsar were among the districts reporting the highest numbers of cybercrime complaints.
Authorities Stress Quick Reporting Through 1930
Authorities have continued to emphasise immediate reporting of cyber financial fraud through the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Early reporting can improve the chances of fraudulent transactions being frozen before money is transferred through multiple bank accounts or digital wallets.
The NCRP, operated under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, serves as the national platform for reporting cyber offences, while investigation and FIR registration are handled by the respective state police agencies.
The figures also show a growing reliance on digital channels for reporting suspected cybercrime. As complaints rise, authorities continue to emphasise prompt reporting and public awareness as important measures for responding to online fraud.
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