Online scam New cyber trap hits Himachal

Cyber criminals in Himachal Pradesh have adopted a new tactic to cheat unsuspecting citizens, using a fraudulent link under the name StarlinkFinance.com. This latest cyber fraud has already caused financial losses amounting to Rs 15–20 lakh across the state within a short span of time.

According to the State Cyber Cell, scammers are sending the malicious link to people, often accompanied by a form. Once opened, it tricks victims into sharing sensitive details, enabling the fraudsters to siphon money from their accounts. The scale of the scam is alarming — over 500 residents of Kullu district alone have been targeted and duped through this method. Many victims are now approaching the cyber cell to lodge formal complaints.

Deputy Inspector General (State CID Cyber Crime), Mohit Chawla, described the scam as a “new method” employed by cyber criminals to exploit digital trust. He has strongly appealed to citizens not to click on or open the suspicious link, warning that it could lead to significant financial losses.

To safeguard themselves, the public is advised to verify all suspicious messages with their telecom operators or cross-check details on the official website of the Department of Telecommunications before sharing any personal or financial information.

Chawla stressed the urgent need for public awareness, highlighting that prevention is the most effective defence against cybercrime. He urged victims or witnesses of such fraud to immediately report incidents by calling the toll-free cybercrime helpline 1930.

The Cyber Cell reiterated that clicking unknown links can be as dangerous as handing your wallet to a stranger, and urged residents to remain alert in the face of rapidly evolving online scams.

Himachal Tribune