Shimla: With cyber fraud cases rising sharply across the country, the Himachal Pradesh Police has launched a strong public awareness advisory urging citizens to use smartphones responsibly and remain alert against online scams, fake calls, malicious apps and AI-powered frauds.
According to senior cybercrime investigators and Additional Superintendent of Police Narvir Singh Rathour, cybercriminals are now using sophisticated methods such as fake KYC update messages, fraudulent banking calls, WhatsApp hacking, APK malware links, QR code scams, fake investment platforms and even AI-generated deepfake voice and video calls to cheat people.
Police officials said fraudsters are increasingly exploiting fear, panic and psychological pressure to manipulate victims into sharing confidential information or transferring money. Investigators revealed that even educated and digitally aware individuals have recently fallen prey to cyber scams due to haste, confusion or lack of verification.
Calling cyber safety a matter of “public awareness and digital discipline,” officials stressed that smartphones have become central to banking, education, healthcare, governance and communication, making cautious digital behaviour more important than ever.
The police warned people against blindly trusting callers posing as bank officials, police personnel, courier agents or government authorities. Citizens have been advised not to take hurried decisions under pressure or disclose personal financial details over phone calls.
Cyber experts also cautioned users against downloading APK files or clicking suspicious links received through WhatsApp, SMS, Telegram or social media platforms, saying such links can secretly install malware capable of stealing passwords, banking credentials and personal data.
Investigators said many fraudsters convince victims to install screen-sharing applications like AnyDesk or TeamViewer, which provide remote access to smartphones and banking applications.
Citizens have been clearly advised never to install such apps on the instructions of unknown persons.
Police also flagged the growing threat of AI-based deepfake technology, where fraudsters create fake voice notes and video messages impersonating relatives, senior officers or acquaintances to demand urgent money transfers. Authorities advised citizens to independently verify every financial request before acting on it.
Fake investment schemes promising “double money”, “guaranteed returns” or unusually high profits are also trapping large numbers of people across the country, investigators warned. Similarly, QR code scams and fake customer care numbers are being widely used to siphon money from bank accounts.
As part of its advisory, Himachal Pradesh Police urged smartphone users to follow several key digital safety measures. Citizens have been advised to keep GPS and location services switched on only when required, maintain strict privacy settings on WhatsApp groups, avoid unknown video calls and screen-sharing requests, and switch off Bluetooth, NFC and hotspot services after use.
Police further advised people to install applications only from trusted platforms like the Google Play Store and enable two-step verification on WhatsApp, Gmail, social media and banking applications. Citizens were also told never to share OTPs, UPI PINs, ATM PINs, passwords or CVV numbers with anyone.
Officials said maintaining a balanced digital lifestyle is equally important. Citizens were encouraged to use DND mode during sleep, office work and family time, disable unnecessary notifications, limit social media usage and keep only essential applications on mobile phones to improve security and performance.
Appealing for greater public vigilance, ASP Narvir Singh Rathour said, “Public awareness is the strongest weapon against cybercrime. Most cyber frauds can be prevented through caution, awareness and timely verification.”
He urged people not to panic over suspicious calls, messages or online offers and to immediately report any cyber fraud or suspicious activity to the National Cyber Helpline number 1930.
The police reiterated that in the digital age, “smart use of smartphones is the true foundation of digital safety,” while advising citizens to think before clicking, verify before trusting and report fraud before it is too late.
