New Delhi | Cyber fraud cases are rising sharply across India, with investigating agencies and cybersecurity experts warning of a coordinated, nationwide network operating through fake bus, train and flight booking websites, cloned e-commerce platforms and digital payment–linked scams. Criminals are no longer confined to a specific festival, sale period or season; instead, they are exploiting year-round online activity, travel planning and consumer urgency to target victims.
In recent months, complaints from multiple States reveal a common pattern: users book tickets or purchase goods on professional-looking websites, make payments—and then receive neither the service nor any trace of the website. In several cases, the portals went offline within hours of the transaction.
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Travel and online shopping most vulnerable
Cybercrime specialists say travel bookings and online shopping have become the easiest and most profitable targets for fraudsters. Fake websites and mobile links are created to closely mimic well-known travel portals and e-commerce brands. These platforms advertise steep discounts, “limited-period offers” and “book now” prompts to pressure users into quick payments.
Once the transaction is completed, victims either receive fake confirmations or find the website inaccessible. Customer care numbers listed on these portals often turn out to be non-functional or fake, leaving victims with no avenue for refunds or complaints.
Trusted links pose greater risk
Investigators have flagged a particularly dangerous trend: scam links are increasingly being circulated through family WhatsApp groups, friends and colleagues. Typically, one account is compromised first and then used to forward fraudulent links across trusted networks.
This creates a false sense of credibility, lowering suspicion and increasing the likelihood of clicks. Experts say social engineering has now become the most powerful weapon in cyber fraud operations.
Warning from Future Crime Research Foundation
The Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF), which conducts nationwide research on cyber offences, has warned in its latest advisory that cyber fraud is no longer seasonal but continuous, organised and data-driven.
“Cybercrime today follows predictable digital behaviour patterns,” the foundation noted. “Fraudsters track when travel increases, when online shopping spikes and when digital payments peak, and design scams accordingly.”
The foundation added that while India’s digital economy has expanded rapidly, digital awareness and vigilance among citizens have not kept pace, particularly among mobile-first users who struggle to differentiate between genuine and cloned websites.
Former IPS officer flags low-risk, high-reward crime
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Triveni Singh said cyber fraud in India has evolved into a low-risk, high-reward crime.
“Fraudsters are not constrained by geography or time. A fake website can be created in minutes and used to cheat thousands of people simultaneously,” he said. “By the time victims realise what has happened, the money has already moved through multiple accounts.”
Singh stressed that the biggest mistake victims make is failing to report incidents during the ‘golden hour’. “If victims immediately call 1930 or report on the cybercrime portal, significant amounts can still be blocked,” he said.
Why immediate reporting matters
Cybersecurity agencies continue to emphasise that victims must immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or file a complaint on the official cybercrime reporting portal. Early reporting enables banks to freeze accounts and disrupt fund transfers.
Even short delays can allow money to be layered through multiple accounts and digital wallets, making recovery extremely difficult.
What needs to change
Experts agree that enforcement alone is insufficient. A comprehensive response requires:
- Large-scale public awareness on digital safety
- Faster takedown of fake websites and domains
- Stronger coordination between banks, police and technology platforms
- Effective implementation of cyber laws
Vigilance remains the strongest defence
Cyber experts advise citizens to verify websites before making payments, remain sceptical of unusually cheap offers, avoid clicking on unsolicited links and report suspicious activity immediately.
In an increasingly digital economy, an alert and informed citizen is the first line of cyber defence. As online fraud grows in scale and sophistication, the message is clear: convenience must go hand in hand with caution.
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.
