Students, businessmen, elderly vulnerable to cyber fraudsters

• By Abid Bashir
• Comments 0
• 11 Apr 2026

‘Digital arrest’ doesn’t exist; awareness strongest defence: DySP CCICE

Srinagar, Apr 11: Cyber fraud is tightening its grip across Kashmir, with children, college students, businessmen, and the elderly emerging as the most vulnerable groups, officials warned on Saturday. They said awareness remains the most powerful weapon against the growing menace.

Addressing a press conference here, Ashiq Hussain Malik, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) at the Cyber Crime Investigation Centre for Excellence (CCICE), Crime Branch Kashmir, said that cyber criminals are constantly evolving their methods, targeting people across all sections of society.

“We do awareness programmes, but such programmes are confined to a particular office or segment. With the media's role, our message will reach everyone. We believe awareness is the biggest tool to protect ourselves from cybercrime. If people aren’t aware, they will fall prey to cyber fraud,” he said.

Highlighting the scale of the threat, Malik said that virtually anyone using an electronic device is exposed. “Any electronic gadget will lead you to cyber frauds,” he said, adding that even children are increasingly becoming targets. He pointed to the misuse of photographs of minor girls through artificial intelligence tools, which are later used for blackmail.

College-going students, he said, are frequently lured through fake scholarship offers and online schemes. “Fraudsters seek fees, and then the links vanish. Unless verified, it’s all fraud,” he cautioned, adding that similar scams also revolve around online ticket bookings, fee payments and other transactions.

The business community, particularly young entrepreneurs, is also under threat. The DySP said that fraudsters often trap them with lucrative offers and fake investment opportunities. “You need to verify the attractive offers. Thoroughly verify and then invest,” he advised.

He further revealed that cyber criminals exploit emerging situations to design new scams. Referring to the recent gas shortage, he said fraudsters took advantage by offering fake home delivery services and extracting OTPs to gain access to victims’ bank accounts. “They change their modus operandi. Today, your phone is your locker that has your every credential,” he said.

Dismissing a growing trend of so-called “digital arrests,” Malik clarified that no such concept exists. “Digital arrest is nothing but fraud. There is no such terminology,” he said, adding that elderly people, especially those living alone while their families are abroad, are being specifically targeted. “Fraudsters find it easy to instil fear among elderly people. I request them not to fall into such traps,” he added.

Speaking to Rising Kashmir later exclusively, DySP Malik said cyber fraud largely succeeds when individuals make mistakes under pressure or temptation. “Unless people commit a mistake, fraudsters can’t succeed. You are induced and lured, and then you become a victim,” he said.

He warned that as technology advances, cybercrime will continue to rise. “Awareness is the only tool to deal with increasing cyber fraud. But if frauds still happen, people must know what to do,” he said, urging victims to immediately dial 1930 in case of financial fraud to block transactions. He also advised registering complaints on the national cybercrime portal for prompt action.

On online gaming, he reiterated that any application involving money is banned and stressed parental responsibility. “If a child has no understanding of gaming, why should he or she have a phone? Parents are responsible,” he said.

Addressing concerns over blackmail, particularly involving women, Malik said the primary motive of fraudsters is financial gain. “In rare cases, they may attempt to circulate objectionable content. Victims should come forward and report. We have exposed many blackmailers, though in several cases, victims withdraw complaints,” he said, assuring that law enforcement has multiple ways to track down offenders. Reiterating the urgency of collective awareness, Malik said timely reporting can make all the difference. “The quicker the response, the faster the action,” he added.