Punjab & Haryana HC rings alarm on rising cyber fraud

IN a digital age where convenience comes with a cost, cybercrime has emerged as the “silent virus” of our times. The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s recent refusal of bail in a Rs 10-lakh fraud case has once again underscored the insidious reach of cybercriminals and the judiciary’s concern over the growing threat to ‘Digital Bharat’. Cybercrime today is disturbingly versatile. From phishing and identity theft to online stalking and extortion, no section of society is immune. Particularly vulnerable are the elderly, who are increasingly being targeted for financial crimes, as noted in recent news reports, highlighting their susceptibility to digital deception. Adding to this concern is the surge in “digital arrest” frauds, where scammers impersonate authorities to extract money. This trend has alarmed the Goa Police enough to issue advisories to banks for flagging high-value transactions.

Law enforcement agencies struggle with delays in accessing crucial data like IP logs and KYC details, even as cybercriminals stay several steps ahead. Still, coordinated responses are emerging. Banks and police forces are collaborating and awareness sessions — such as those held in small towns like Portmore in Himachal Pradesh— are starting to address the knowledge gap among citizens. But systemic efforts alone won’t suffice. Individuals must also play a proactive role in prevention. Simple steps can go a long way in protecting oneself: never share personal information or OTPs over calls; avoid clicking on suspicious links; update passwords regularly; install antivirus software and firewalls; block unknown numbers and enable caller ID on apps; and report suspicious activity immediately.

With global cybercrime costs expected to touch $10.5 trillion annually by the end of this year, India’s ambitious digital transformation could falter without robust protection. Cybersecurity must be seen not just as a technical safeguard but as a civic responsibility — for each and every click.

Editorials