Amresh Parab
Panaji
Online fraudsters had a ‘flourishing’ business last year: residents of Goa lost over Rs 40.79 crore to cyberfrauds in 2025, a rise by over 37 per cent compared to 2024 when people had lost over Rs 29.73 crore.
It is pertinent to note that in 2023 money loss to cyberfrauds was over Rs 3.6 crore, revealed the
government data.
The percentage of senior citizens falling into the trap of cybercrime has also been on the rise.
As per the data, among the cyberfraud victims 6.17 per cent were senior citizens in 2023, while in 2024 the per cent increased to 14.11 per cent, but in 2025 the figure dropped
to 12.21 per cent.
According to the police, the main reasons for the increase in cybercrimes are rapid digitalisation combined with low awareness, evolving criminal techniques, unauthorised access, the misuse of personal information leading to identity theft, financial frauds and other forms of cybercrimes.
The police also said the lack of awareness of cybersecurity while using social media, temptation to earn easy and fast money are among the other reasons.
A senior police officer said cyber adversaries consistently leverage a ‘psychology of pressure’ utilising fear, greed and urgency to coerce people into compromising their
own digital security.
Referring to the efforts initiated to combat cybercrimes and create awareness, the police said the Ministry of Home Affairs has created a portal www.cyberpolice.nic.in and has set up 1930 helpline control room to resolve
such complaints.
Sancharsaathi.gov.in portal is developed by the Department of
Telecommunications.
Also, information about cyberfrauds is uploaded on official website of the Goa Police as well as on the social media platform to create awareness about the fraud calls.
Listing a number of measures undertaken to combat the menace of cybercrime, a police officer said they actively conduct cybercrime awareness sessions across the state to educate citizens about online threats and safety measures.
“Officers/staff of the Goa Police have been trained to handle cyber-related offences, with regular training programmes conducted to enhance their expertise. Also, they underwent specialised training at various law enforcement agencies across the country,” the officer said.
According to the police, advanced forensic tools and software are available to aid in cybercrime investigations and that meetings are held with bank officials.
Precautionary steps to be taken are discussed so as to prevent online frauds.
