Rise in cybercrime cases in Lahaul-Spiti district raises concern among residents

The rise in cybercrime cases in tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti has become a major concern for the locals. This year, the people of the district have been duped of Rs 27 lakh by fraudsters. The district has a population of 31,528 that includes 16,455 males and 15,073 females.

Over the years, cybercrime cases have increased in the district. Scammers are targeting people by using various tactics for which advisories are issued by the police from time to time. Mayank Chaudhary, Superintendent of Police

Thirty-six complaints of cybercrime have been received at police stations in the district. In the year 2023, the district police had received only 17 cybercrime-related complaints according to which victims were duped of Rs 16.75 lakh.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Mayank Chaudhary said over the years, cybercrime cases had increased in the district. He said, “Scammers are targeting people by using various tactics for which advisories are issued by the police from time to time.”

He said efforts were being made to reduce cybercrime in the district. He said this year, out of the total amount lost by victims, police had frozen Rs 12.75 lakh. He said an amount of Rs 73,000 was returned to victims.

“People should ignore suspicious calls and immediately report cybercrime incident by dialling toll free number 1930,” the SP added. Despite having the largest district area wise, Lahaul and Spiti has the lowest population in the state due to its tough geographical conditions. However, people of the district are falling prey to cybercrime fraudsters.

Recently, the police received a report according to which a person posing as an official of the Mumbai Police was contacting the locals and trying to extract personal information from them. Acting upon the information, the police issued an advisory, advising people to ignore such calls and refrain from sharing their personal and financial information.