Rise in Cyber Crime: Panchkula Targeted with New Scams

Panchkula is experiencing an alarming escalation in cybercrime, with cases in the first four months of 2025 suggesting the district could surpass 200 incidents by year-end – more than eight times the number reported in 2022. Cyber criminals are deploying sophisticated new tricks to defraud citizens, particularly targeting the elderly and pensioners. Among the prevalent new scams are "digital arrest" frauds, where con artists impersonate law enforcement to extort money. There's also a rise in financial and investment frauds, often involving significant sums, and the creation of fake government and utility websites to phish for personal information under the guise of KYC updates or bill payments. Fraudsters are also creating fake websites for services like Char Dham Yatra helicopter bookings and job recruitment (e.g., HSSC), luring victims with seemingly lucrative offers. Panchkula police are actively working to bust these gangs and block fraudulent phone numbers, emphasizing the critical need for public awareness and immediate reporting to helpline 1930.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com