In a sweeping crackdown on rising online fraud, the Goa Cyber Crime Police have blocked 767 scam-linked mobile numbers and initiated takedown action against 660 fraudulent digital platforms this year. According to an official statement issued on Saturday, the operation led to the removal of 507 fake websites, 151 malicious social media accounts, and two fraudulent mobile applications.
Senior officials said the crackdown was launched to counter the surge in digital arrest frauds, high-return investment scams, and tourism-related deception—all of which have been rapidly growing in Goa, a state with a large floating population and digital dependence.
‘Digital security a top priority,’ say Cyber Crime officials
The Superintendent of Police (Cyber Crime) said the operation is part of a long-term, strategic action plan aimed at dismantling organised cyber syndicates that target locals, tourists, and businesses.
“This sustained campaign is essential to curb digital arrest scams and sophisticated investment frauds. We are not merely blocking platforms—we are targeting the criminal ecosystems operating behind them,” the SP said.
Officials emphasised that the campaign is crucial at a time when cybercriminals are increasingly adopting AI-generated voices, forged government IDs, deepfake intimidation, and encrypted payment channels to trap victims.
Network targeted: fake parcel fraud, sextortion, investment scams, impersonation
The fraudulent platforms taken down were linked to a wide range of cybercrimes, including:
- Fake parcel delivery fraud where callers impersonate customs or police officials
- Online investment and high-yield trading scams promising unrealistic returns
- Sextortion rackets operating through dating apps
- Impersonation fraud, using forged government profiles to intimidate victims
- Fake hotel booking websites designed to cheat tourists during peak travel season
Police said these networks are run by highly organised groups, many of whom operate across state borders and use foreign digital infrastructure.
May saw highest number of takedowns: 258 fake sites removed in one month
Monthly data released by the police show a sharp rise in takedowns in the first half of the year:
- May 2025: 258 fraudulent websites removed — the highest this year
- January: 78 websites taken down
- June: 72 platforms dismantled
Officials said the volume of fake websites surged early in the year as cybercriminals aggressively pushed investment schemes and courier fraud to exploit citizens’ financial anxieties.
I4C and MeitY strengthen the crackdown with technical intelligence
Goa Cyber Police conducted the operation with technical support from:
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
These agencies assisted in identifying server locations, tracing IP patterns, analysing digital trails, and facilitating cross-border takedown coordination. Many websites were found to be hosted on foreign servers linked to international cybercrime rings.
Goa becomes first state with 100% response rate on 1930 cyber fraud helpline
In a significant achievement, Goa Police recorded the country’s first-ever 100% cyber fraud response rate through the 1930 emergency helpline. Over 5,000 calls were attended this year, enabling real-time fund freezing and quicker recovery.
Officials said timely intervention helped save lakhs of rupees that would have otherwise been siphoned off to accounts controlled by overseas criminal groups.
6,000+ cases and ₹149 crore siphoned: real losses likely much higher
As per police data, Goa has registered over 6,000 cyber fraud complaints this year. Scammers have extracted more than ₹149 crore, although authorities believe the true figure is significantly higher due to:
- Reluctance of victims to report sextortion or investment fraud
- Tourists leaving the state before filing complaints
- Under-reporting of digital arrest cases
Officials described this gap as a “persistent under-reporting challenge” and called for stronger public awareness.
Police urge vigilance: report suspicious sites, links and calls immediately
Goa Police have urged citizens to promptly report:
- Suspicious websites
- Fake advertisements
- Unverified phone calls
- Fraudulent mobile apps
Reports can be filed through the Chakshu Portal, the 1930 fraud helpline, or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
Officials said intensified action will continue in the coming months as the force aims to dismantle more cybercriminal networks operating across India and abroad.
