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Cybercriminals cheated Chandigarh residents of nearly ₹49 crore during the first eight months of 2026, while police managed to freeze or place a lien on only ₹12.2 crore, approximately 25% of the reported losses. The figures, obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, highlight the scale of financial cyber fraud in the Union Territory.
Between January 1 and August 31, Chandigarh Police’s Cyber Crime Cell received 4,548 complaints and registered 149 FIRs, with total reported losses reaching ₹48.9 crore.
Police solved 45 cyber fraud cases during the period and arrested 92 accused from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana.
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According to the RTI data, investment fraud accounted for the highest number of registered cases, with 31 FIRs, followed by fake gas connection scams with 23 and malicious APK file frauds with 16.
Police also registered 11 impersonation cases and five digital arrest cases, bringing the combined total across these categories to 86 FIRs.
Digital arrest scams caused significant financial losses. Police received 27 complaints involving fraudsters impersonating law enforcement and government officials, with five FIRs accounting for losses of ₹5.4 crore.
Fraudulent transactions involving debit and credit card details and PINs generated 710 complaints, while OLX-related scams involving fake buying, selling and extortion accounted for 549 complaints.
Another 610 complaints involved fraudsters posing as buyers or sellers on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
Police also received 208 complaints related to fake job offers, work permits, visas and travel services, along with 116 complaints involving prize money, gift vouchers, foreign parcels and customs impersonation.
Fake gas connection scams generated 291 complaints, resulting in 23 FIRs involving ₹70.8 lakh.
Cyber Fraud Losses in Eight Months Exceed Full-Year 2025 Figures
The RTI findings show that Chandigarh residents reported losses of ₹48.9 crore during January–August 2026, compared with ₹38.1 crore throughout 2025.
In 2025, the UT Cyber Police Station received 5,983 complaints and registered 153 FIRs. Police managed to place ₹8.1 crore of the reported losses on hold.
During that year, investigators solved 57 cyber fraud cases and arrested 148 accused.
In comparison, police registered 149 FIRs and arrested 92 persons in the first eight months of 2026, while securing ₹12.2 crore through account freezes or liens.
The amount frozen represents approximately one-quarter of the reported losses. However, these funds have not necessarily been refunded to victims, as further procedures may be required for their release.
Chandigarh Police Plan Faster Refunds, Urge Immediate Fraud Reporting
Chandigarh Cyber Police said timely reporting of fraudulent transactions significantly improves the chances of securing stolen funds before they are transferred through additional accounts.
Officials are developing a mechanism aimed at refunding frozen money to cyber fraud victims within two weeks.
Police also advised residents to remain cautious about unsolicited calls, suspicious online links and investment or employment offers promising unusually high returns.
Residents were urged to report suspected financial cyber fraud immediately through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or at the nearest police station.
The RTI figures underline the growing financial impact of cyber fraud in Chandigarh, where reported losses during just eight months of 2026 have already exceeded the total recorded throughout the previous year.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
