State sees surge in cybercrimes, 1,200 complaints in 2025 so far

In an alarming trend, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a surge in cybercrimes related to internet browsing with as many as 1,204 complaints being registered from across the state in 2025 so far. These scams include fake websites, phishing links, malicious pop-ups and online frauds, giving a tough time to the people of the state.

Advertisement

Significantly, the state this year has already registered around 37 per cent of the cases that were registered last year. In 2024, the state had recorded 3,261 complaints related to internet browsing. All these cases have been registered through the toll free cyber crime helpline number which is 1930.

To help the people in keeping themselves safe from becoming the victim of the scammers, the State CID, Cybercrime Cell has issued various guidelines.

The cyber cell has advised the people to check the Uniform Resource Locator (url) before browsing. Elaborating, people have been advised to ensure whether the website begins with ‘https:// besides checking spelling anomalies such as g00gle.com, which is a common phishing tactic used by scammers to trick the people to fall in their trap.

Also people have been advised to hover over a link before clicking to verify its actual destination, especially on desktop and to utilise the Google Safe Browsing tool to assess the safety of any suspicious website.

The cyber cell has also advised the people to use services like ''VirusTotal'' to scan questionable websites, to click the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar to confirm the site’s SSL certificate is valid. An invalid or expired certificate may indicate a risk and to be aware of sudden pop-ups, forced downloads or excessive redirects, which can be signs of malicious intent.

Advisory has also been issued to strengthen browser security. For Google Chrome users, people have been advised to Go to Settings        > Privacy and Security        > Safe Browsing and enable Enhanced Protection. For Microsoft Edge users, people have been advised to ensure Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is enabled under Settings        > Privacy, Search, and Services.

Furthermore, people have been advised to clear cookies and cache periodically by using the browser settings or tools like CCleaner to enhance performance and security.

DIG, Cybercrime, Mohit Chawla says that in this digital era, almost everyone surfs Internet on a daily basis and the number of complaints has revealed that there is need to be more cautious while browsing Internet and not to fall into the trap laid by cybercriminals and increase public awareness regarding online safety. "Cybercriminals often exploit users’ carelessness or the lack of awareness to cause financial and personal harm," he adds.

Chawla has appealed to people to follow safety guidelines issued by the cyber cell diligently and report any suspicious or potentially harmful online activity immediately to the Cyber Helpline at 1930.