PANCHKULA: What begins as routine play on a mobile screen is increasingly drawing children into encounters with cyber fraud, as police records from Panchkula show a steady rise in cases linked to online gaming platforms.
A Steep Rise in Reported Cybercrime
Police data from Panchkula points to a sharp escalation in reported cybercrime over the past three years. While officials stress that online gaming–related cases remain a small fraction of overall cyber fraud, the broader trend is difficult to ignore. In 2022, just 26 cybercrime cases were registered. That number rose to 87 in 2023 and climbed further to 169 in 2024. By the first four months of 2025 alone, 72 cases had already been reported.
Officials describe the growth as more than sixfold in a short span, reflecting both greater digital exposure and improved reporting. Yet they also acknowledge that official figures may understate the scale of the problem, particularly when children are involved.
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Children as Quiet Victims
Over the past two years, the cyber cell in Panchkula has received five complaints specifically linked to online gaming fraud involving minors. Not all of these complaints were converted into first information reports. In several instances, parents chose not to pursue legal action, citing concerns about their children’s mental well-being or academic pressures.
Police officers say such hesitancy can mask a larger issue. They believe additional cases may go unreported when families view the financial loss as limited or fear that formal proceedings could further distress the child.
How Gaming Platforms Are Exploited
According to investigators, fraudsters typically lure young gamers with promises of free reward points, diamonds, or in-game currency. Children are also directed to bogus customer-care numbers or persuaded to download unauthorised applications. In other cases, they are asked to share one-time passwords or bank details under the pretext of upgrading or continuing a game.
Manpreet Singh Sudan, the deputy commissioner of police (crime), said common methods include fake gaming rewards, in-game purchase scams, and misuse of mobile access to siphon off money. He noted that such frauds often escalate into identity theft, mobile hacking, or the misuse of social media accounts, placing children under intense psychological pressure.
One case registered last year involved a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly extorted of ₹4 lakh by individuals he met while playing online games. Police said the accused threatened and coerced the minor into transferring money from a family member’s bank account.
Psychological Toll and Official Warnings
Mental health professionals and law enforcement officials warn that the impact of such incidents extends beyond financial loss. Rajeev Trehan, former head of the psychiatry department at the Panchkula civil hospital, described online gaming as potentially addictive for children. He said repeated cycles of winning and losing can draw minors deeper into unsupervised digital spaces, where they may encounter fraudsters.
According to Dr. Trehan, children who fall victim often experience fear, guilt, and anxiety, worrying about parental reprimand. These emotions can affect their studies and undermine confidence at an early age.
Police officials echo these concerns. Yudhveer Singh, station in-charge of the cyber police station, said that in most complaints, children were asked to make in-game payments or recharges that later proved fraudulent. He added that students are routinely advised during awareness campaigns to avoid unknown links, calls, and messages, refrain from sharing personal information or OTPs, and report suspicious activity immediately.
