Sextortion emerges as a major cybercrime in state

Sextortion has emerged as a major cybercrime in the state, particularly targeting senior citizens, retirees and employed individuals. Scammers reportedly extorted approximately Rs 1.5 crore from victims last year. Most of the victims are men, lured via social media platforms or through audio and video calls.

The fraudsters initially gain the victim’s trust by pretending to befriend them. They then record audio or video interactions, which are later used to threaten the victims. Scammers demand money under the threat of leaking these recordings on public platforms or sharing them with the victim’s relatives.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) State CID Cybercrime Mohit Chawla highlighted that retirees are particularly vulnerable due to their increased online presence. “Retired individuals often spend more time on social media, making them easy targets for deceptive messages and links. Scammers also monitor their activities, such as vacation or party photos, to assess their financial status,” said Chawla.

He explained that once identified, these individuals are coerced into paying to avoid defamation. “In most cases, victims agree to pay out of fear of public embarrassment,” he added.

To prevent such crimes, DIG Chawla advised users not to click on unknown links, answer calls, or respond to messages from strangers. He emphasized caution while sharing personal information on social media and recommended limiting the visibility of personal updates.

Victims of sextortion or any cybercrime are urged to report incidents immediately by calling the toll-free helpline number 1930 for prompt action. The rise of social media and advancements in technology have led to an increase in cybercrime cases, posing a significant threat to the state’s residents. The state cyber cell currently receives around 350 complaints of various cybercrimes monthly, underscoring the need for increased awareness and vigilance.