Social snare: How everyday apps are fuelling a cybercrime surge
Social media, once a platform for connection and entertainment, has now turned into a breeding ground for cybercrime across the state. What was once just a part of people’s daily routines has, alarmingly, become a prime channel through which fraudsters operate. According to recent data, nearly 61 per cent of financial and social media-related fraud cases reported in the state this year have originated from social media platforms.
The State CID Cyber Crime unit revealed that a staggering 3,317 complaints linked specifically to social media fraud have been registered so far this year through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal helpline (1930). Among these, 781 complaints pertained to social media ID hacking, while 545 were about fake accounts created to mislead or defraud users. There were also 322 complaints related to the misuse of WhatsApp, 305 involving blackmail and 123 concerning defamation. Authorities also documented 78 cases of sextortion and 39 incidents involving fake identities. Online shopping fraud, often conducted via social media marketplaces, accounted for a significant 1,124 complaints.
The rising tide of cyber frauds is being directly linked to the widespread use of social media platforms among people in the state. Fraudsters exploit this digital dependence by luring users with seemingly attractive offers, threatening messages or emotional traps such as fake relationships or honey-trapping. Once trust is gained or panic is instilled, users are manipulated into revealing sensitive information or transferring money.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the State CID Cybercrime unit, Mohit Chawla, noted that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram and Twitter/X are increasingly being misused by cybercriminals. He warned that the number of such incidents has surged in recent times, urging users to exercise greater caution while navigating social media spaces.
Chawla explained that cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated in their tactics. One of the most common techniques involves phishing links designed to steal personal or financial information. Fake profiles — sometimes impersonating celebrities or known acquaintances — are created to gain users’ trust. Several people have also been duped through fake listings on Facebook marketplace or WhatsApp, where non-existent products are sold. Others have fallen victim to false job offers, promises of easy loans or fraudulent investment schemes.
To counter this growing menace, Chawla urged the public to remain alert and take swift action at the first sign of suspicious activity. He advised victims to report such incidents immediately by calling the 24/7 Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or by lodging a complaint online at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
He also encouraged users to report suspicious posts and fake profiles directly to the platforms where they appear. “People must not only protect themselves but also help create awareness in their communities about the risks that exist in the digital world,” Chawla said. He emphasised that with awareness, timely reporting and responsible online behaviour, these cybercrimes can be effectively reduced and controlled.
Himachal Tribune