New Delhi. Cybercrime in India is rising at an alarming pace alongside the rapid expansion of digital technology. According to the latest data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), a total of 6,76,019 cybercrime cases against women have been registered over the past five years. On average, around 370 complaints are reported every day, with fake profiles, obscene messages, identity theft, and online fraud emerging as the most common forms of offences.
The report highlights a continuous upward trend in online crimes targeting women, raising serious concerns over digital safety. Experts believe that the growing use of social media and online platforms has created new opportunities for offenders, directly impacting users, especially women.
Fake profiles and obscene messages emerge as a major threat
NCRP data shows that the largest share of complaints involves fake profile creation, sending obscene messages, and identity theft. These categories alone account for 4,89,790 cases over the past five years. Offenders frequently create fake accounts on social media platforms to harass and psychologically intimidate women.
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Experts point out that victims often suffer not only financial losses but also severe mental stress and social pressure. In several cases, fake identities have been used for extortion and blackmail, making the issue even more serious.
Sharp rise in fake accounts and hacking cases
The data also indicates a significant rise in crimes involving fake accounts. In 2021, 15,843 cases were reported, while in 2025 the number surged to 46,784. Over five years, this category alone recorded 1,56,371 complaints.
Similarly, profile hacking and identity theft cases have also shown a consistent increase. In 2021, 10,650 cases were reported, rising to 38,297 in 2024 and 34,533 the following year. Altogether, 1,43,492 such cases have been recorded over the five-year period.
Online job fraud and matrimonial scams on the rise
The report further reveals a sharp increase in online job fraud and matrimonial scams. Cybercrimes related to fake job offers have reached 53,143 cases, while matrimonial fraud accounts for 4,680 reported incidents.
Experts say that criminals lure victims through fake job advertisements, attractive salary packages, and fraudulent companies. Similarly, on matrimonial platforms, fake profiles are created to carry out emotional manipulation and financial cheating.
Increase in phishing and email-based fraud
Over the past five years, 7,682 cases of email phishing have been reported. In addition, cases involving threatening emails and impersonation-based fraud have also been documented. Cybercriminals use advanced techniques to steal personal information and target victims through deceptive communication.
Government response and cybersecurity initiatives
The Ministry of Home Affairs has established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to coordinate efforts to tackle cybercrime. Through the NCRP platform, complaints are registered promptly to ensure timely action.
To strengthen cyber forensic capabilities, investigation, and prosecution, specialized training is being provided to police and judicial officers. So far, over 1,42,025 certificates have been issued in this domain. An advanced cyber fraud mitigation centre has also been set up, where multiple agencies collaborate to handle cases efficiently.
Growing challenge in the digital era
Experts believe that with India’s expanding digital ecosystem, cybercrime has become a major challenge. While internet penetration has brought convenience and opportunities, it has also opened new avenues for criminals to exploit unsuspecting users.
Awareness remains the strongest defence
The report clearly concludes that cybersecurity awareness is essential. Trusting unknown links, fake profiles, or suspicious messages can lead to severe financial and personal damage. In the digital age, vigilance remains the most effective shield against cyber threats.
