DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand is facing an unprecedented surge in cybercrime, with digital fraud rapidly replacing traditional offences such as theft, robbery and dacoity. Data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal shows that residents of the hill state lost more than ₹468 crore to cyber fraud between 2021 and 2025, while nearly 90,000 individuals were victimised during the five-year period.
The figures underline a dramatic shift in the crime landscape, as offenders increasingly exploit digital platforms to target victims at scale. Cyber fraud cases reported in Uttarakhand have risen more than 12 times over the past five years, reflecting both the rapid adoption of online financial services and the growing sophistication of criminal networks operating across state and national boundaries.
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Official data indicates that while conventional fraud categories such as fake loan offers, work-from-home schemes and online trading scams continue to account for a large share of complaints, a newer and more dangerous modus operandi — commonly referred to as “digital arrest” fraud — has emerged as the most serious threat.
In these cases, fraudsters impersonate law-enforcement or regulatory authorities and contact victims through phone calls or video links, accusing them of involvement in serious offences such as money laundering or narcotics trafficking. Victims are then placed under intense psychological pressure and threatened with immediate arrest unless they transfer money to designated accounts for “verification” or “case settlement”.
According to official records, 37 victims in Uttarakhand were targeted through digital arrest scams over the last five years, resulting in financial losses running into several crores of rupees. Authorities note that the success of such frauds lies in their ability to induce fear and urgency, leaving victims little time to verify claims or seek help.
Despite operating with limited technical and manpower resources, law-enforcement agencies in the state have managed to recover a portion of the defrauded funds. More than ₹70 crore of public money has been traced and restored to victims since 2021, with recoveries exceeding ₹28 crore in the past year alone. Officials attribute these recoveries largely to timely reporting by victims, which enables banks and payment platforms to freeze suspicious transactions before funds are fully siphoned off.
The data also points to a noticeable shift towards more complex financial frauds. Recent case records show 60 instances of online trading scams, 18 digital arrest cases, six fake call or SMS frauds, four work-from-home scams, and two social-media gift frauds, along with eight cases linked to insurance, job offers and other deceptive schemes.
Authorities have acknowledged that public awareness remains a critical challenge, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas where digital literacy is uneven. While nationwide advisories, including caller-tune warnings and online campaigns, have been rolled out, fraudsters have repeatedly modified their tactics to bypass safeguards and maintain credibility.
To counter the growing menace, the Uttarakhand Police is planning a significant expansion of its cybercrime response capabilities. This includes strengthening technical infrastructure, increasing trained personnel, and intensifying digital-awareness campaigns through social media and community outreach programmes. Officials say the focus will be on early detection, faster response times and closer coordination with banks, telecom service providers and central agencies.
Cybercrime experts warn that without sustained investment and public vigilance, losses could escalate further as digital payments, online trading platforms and remote work arrangements become more widespread. They stress that citizens must treat unsolicited calls demanding urgent financial action as red flags and report suspected fraud immediately through official channels.
As Uttarakhand’s experience shows, cybercrime has evolved into a form of organised digital dacoity — one that preys on fear, trust and technological gaps — posing a growing challenge to both law enforcement and the public in an increasingly connected economy.
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.
