Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified their response to cybercrime, registering faster detection rates and expanding awareness drives even as digital frauds, phishing and sextortion attempts see a nationwide rise. Officials said the Union Territory’s cyber units in Srinagar and Jammu have been successful in blocking fake accounts, freezing fraudulent bank transactions, and assisting victims at an unprecedented scale.
As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), J&K registered 84 cybercrime cases in 2019, 120 in 2020, 179 in 2021, and 289 in 2022. Police officials say that while complaints have continued to increase in 2023, 2024 and 2025 due to wider internet use, the success rate in tracking and curbing such frauds has also grown significantly.
An official told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that several sextortion rackets and phishing operations have been busted in past, with dozens of social media accounts traced and blocked. In one instance, officers were able to quickly recover money siphoned from online fraud and return it to the victims. Police have also tied up with banks and telecom service providers to ensure fraudulent accounts and numbers are swiftly shut down.
“Cybercrime is a challenge faced across India, but we are determined to stay one step ahead. Our teams are working round-the-clock, not only to investigate cases but also to prevent them through awareness and technical interventions,” the senior official said.
In addition to enforcement, police have launched digital safety campaigns in schools, colleges, and rural areas, teaching people how to recognise phishing links, fake investment schemes, and blackmail attempts. Awareness material is being distributed widely, with special focus on vulnerable groups such as students and senior citizens.
The official said that while online fraudsters continue to devise new methods, J&K Police’s proactive approach has boosted public confidence. Public cooperation, he add, is playing a vital role in curbing this menace.
“Together with the public’s support, we can build a safe and secure digital environment in Jammu and Kashmir,” The official concluded. [KNT]
