Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Dec 17 : The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has reported a steady increase in cybercrime cases over the past three years, according to government data presented to Parliament. The number of recorded incidents rose from 154 in 2021 to 173 in 2022, before reaching 185 in 2023.
The figures were disclosed by the Ministry of Home Affairs in a reply to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday as per Kashmir Convener the growing concerns over online financial fraud, phishing, and the misuse of digital platforms. The ministry stated that the data, compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau, reflects a nationwide trend of rising cyber offences as digital transactions and online services expand rapidly.
The government said it is providing technical, institutional, and financial support to Jammu and Kashmir and other regions to enhance the detection, investigation, and prosecution of cybercrimes.
Officials said residents of Jammu and Kashmir can report cyber offences through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, which routes complaints to the relevant police units for the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) and subsequent action. Special emphasis has been placed on crimes involving online financial fraud and those targeting women and children.
To tackle financial cyber fraud, the government highlighted the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, supported by the toll-free helpline 1930, which enables swift reporting and the blocking of funds. As of October 31, 2025, this system has saved more than ₹7,130 crore nationwide across over 23 lakh complaints by preventing the siphoning of defrauded money—a mechanism also available to victims in Jammu and Kashmir.
The ministry stated that the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has been established as a central platform to coordinate action among law enforcement agencies, banks, payment aggregators, telecom service providers, and digital intermediaries. A dedicated Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre operating under this framework facilitates real-time cooperation between police and financial institutions, including in cases affecting Jammu and Kashmir.
As part of enforcement and disruption measures, authorities have blocked more than 11.14 lakh SIM cards and nearly 2.96 lakh mobile device identifiers across the country based on police inputs. These actions target networks used for cyber fraud and online scams, which often have inter-state and cross-border linkages.
The Centre has also formed a Cyber Multi-Agency Centre to address cyber espionage, the misuse of emerging technologies, and threats with national security implications. Officials confirmed that the Jammu and Kashmir Police are among the beneficiaries of intelligence sharing, cyber forensics support, and coordinated threat assessments facilitated through this platform.
In addition, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) continues to issue regular advisories on cyber threats, operate malware detection and cleaning services, and promote cyber hygiene among citizens. Investigating officers from states and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, are receiving support through national cyber forensic laboratories and capacity-building programmes.
The government added that public awareness and digital literacy initiatives are being strengthened to help citizens identify phishing attempts, fraudulent calls, and online scams, as cybercrime cases in Jammu and Kashmir and across the country continue to show an upward trend alongside growing digital adoption.
Speaking with Kashmir Convener, a senior police officer stated that online fraud cases are increasing rapidly and that only timely complaints can help law enforcement track and apprehend fraudsters.
He said that in the present digital age, almost every individual carries an electronic gadget, making people vulnerable to cyber fraud if basic precautions are not taken. He explained that while fraudsters constantly change their methods, they invariably leave digital traces that can be followed if victims come forward and lodge complaints without delay.
The officer emphasised that cyber fraud has become widespread and can affect anyone, irrespective of age or background. He stressed that reluctance or delay in reporting fraud often helps offenders escape, while prompt reporting significantly improves recovery chances.
Referring to online betting platforms, he clarified that betting apps have been banned and that any involvement with them now amounts to a cognisable offence. He cautioned young people in particular against using such applications, noting that many adolescents wrongly believe they cannot be tracked if they misuse digital platforms.
“Teenagers often assume they are invisible in the digital space, but every activity leaves a footprint,” he said, warning that misuse of gadgets can have serious legal consequences.
He reiterated that awareness, caution, and cooperation with cybercrime police remain crucial to countering the growing threat of online fraud.
Meanwhile, continuing its efforts to promote community awareness under the ongoing “Seva Pakhwada (Seva Parv)” initiative, the Jammu and Kashmir Police are organising awareness programmes on cybercrime, cybersecurity, and online fraud at various locations across the Union Territory.
During these sessions, resource officers from the J&K Police are sensitising participants to fast-emerging challenges in cyberspace, including online fraud, misuse of social media, financial scams, and methods of ensuring personal digital safety.
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