Shimla Choked by Digital Scam Surge: Crores Lost, Recovery Meagre
Shimla witnessed a shocking surge in digital arrest scams between 2024 and 2025, with a staggering 12 cases reported. Victims collectively lost a massive Rs 5.91 crore to these sophisticated online frauds.
The modus operandi involved scammers impersonating government officials, employing intimidation tactics and threats to extort money. Fake legal notices and fabricated criminal charges were frequently used to pressure victims.
Despite the significant financial losses, police have managed to recover only Rs 33 lakh so far. This represents a minuscule fraction of the total amount defrauded.
The vulnerability of citizens to such scams highlights the urgent need for increased digital literacy campaigns and stricter law enforcement measures. The sheer scale of the losses underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity infrastructure and public awareness to combat this growing menace. The incident serves as a stark warning for citizens to remain vigilant against online fraud.
