Goa Police intensify cybercrime fight: 767 scam numbers blocked, 660 fraudulent platforms dismantled
Panaji: In a sustained crackdown on online fraud, the Goa Cyber Crime Police this year initiated takedown requests for 660 fraudulent digital platforms and blocked 767 scam-related mobile numbers in coordination with telecom service providers.
According to an official statement issued on Saturday, the action led to the removal of 507 fake websites, 151 malicious social media accounts and two mobile applications.
The Superintendent of Police (Cyber Crime) said the force remains committed to proactively dismantling criminal networks and ensuring digital safety for residents, tourists and businesses across the state.
“This sustained campaign is critical to reducing the 'digital arrest' scams and online investment frauds that target our populace,” the SP said, stressing the strategic nature of the operation.
The targeted platforms were linked to cybercrimes ranging from fake parcel delivery networks and sophisticated investment scams to sextortion through dating apps and impersonation schemes involving government authorities such as the police and customs. Several fraudulent hotel booking portals used to cheat tourists were also taken down.
May 2025 recorded the highest number of website takedowns at 258, followed by January with 78 and June with 72.
The operation is being carried out with technical support from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Police urged citizens to report suspicious websites and phone numbers via the Chakshu portal and to use the 1930 emergency helpline for active financial fraud. Complaints can also be filed online at the national cybercrime reporting portal.
Goa Police achieved the country’s first 100 per cent cyber fraud response rate via the 1930 helpline, handling more than 5,000 calls and facilitating rapid fund recovery.
More than 6,000 cyber fraud cases have been reported in Goa so far this year, with scammers siphoning over ₹149 crore, police data show. Official losses are estimated at around ₹100 crore, though under-reporting indicates the actual figure may be higher amid rising cases of investment scams and digital arrests.
IANS