The Pan Bazar Cyber Police Station reported a significant rise in cyber fraud cases for 2024 compared to the previous year. While only 131 cases were registered in 2023, 2024 saw a dramatic surge with the registration of 821 financial fraud complaints
GUWAHATI: As a digital revolution sweeps through India, Guwahati, a fast-growing growing urban centre in the Northeast, is no stranger to this global trend. However, while technology continues to make lives easier and more accessible for people, cybercrime has also emerged as a pressing crime for individuals and organisations alike.
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From financial fraud to identity theft, the increasing dependency on digital technology has provided Guwahati’s cybercriminals with new avenues to exploit unsuspecting victims. The Pan Bazar Cyber Police Station reported a significant rise in cyber fraud cases for 2024 compared to the previous year. While only 131 cases were registered in 2023, 2024 saw a dramatic surge with the registration of 821 financial fraud complaints.
As cybercriminals continue to refine their methods to trick gullible victims, here are the most popular types of cybercrime Guwahati residents need to be vigilant against in 2025.
1. Child Pornography or Child Sexually Abusive Material (CSAM)
Child Sexually Abusive Material (CSAM) relates to the creation and distribution of explicit images of children who are being exploited or abused. Publishing or transmitting such content in electronic form is punishable under Section 67(B) of the Information Technology (IT) Act.
2. Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking
Cyberbullying, or harassment using electronic devices, was mostly seen occurring between school children last year. Such cases deeply impact victims, thereby compelling them to take drastic steps. Cyberstalking similarly involves repeated attempts to contact or monitor individuals despite their disinterest, often resulting in distress or fear.
3. Cyber Grooming
Cyber grooming generally involves online predators building relationships with minors on digital platforms to coerce them into explicit acts. Awareness of such tactics among Guwahati residents is crucial for protecting their children and other vulnerable individuals.
4. Online Job Fraud
Online job fraud is not only a city-related scam; it is prevalent all over India. Scammers pretend to be employers and they exploit desperate job seekers by offering false employment opportunities with promises of high wages, only to demand money or personal details upfront.
5. Phishing and Vishing
Phishing involves tricking victims into sharing sensitive information like credit card details or passwords through fraudulent emails. Vishing, a variation, is a more prominent cyber crime, as it uses phone calls to deceive individuals, particularly elderly citizens, into divulging similar personal data.
6. SIM Swap
The SIM swap cyber crime involves fraudsters manipulating mobile service providers to issue a new SIM card linked to a victim’s number. Once successful, this allows access to OTPs and alerts needed to compromise bank accounts. If unsupervised balance deductions are noticed, it is imperative to inform Guwahati’s cyber crime authorities at the immediate possibility.
7. Sextortion and Honey Traps
Sextortion involves threats to distribute private material unless victims comply with demands for money or explicit content. Honey traps exploit emotional manipulation, with female fraudsters primarily targeting rich individuals, which can lead to financial loss, reputational harm, or even national security risks. A few incidents of the latter were reported in Guwahati in 2024.
8. Impersonation and Identity Theft
Identity theft involves fraudsters manipulating someone’s digital identity, such as electronic signatures or passwords, to commit crimes or financial fraud. In recent times, with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), perpetrators have now been able to steal even facial features with the help of sophisticated technology like the “deepfake” method. While Guwahati is yet to see a crime of this caliber happen, it has already spread over India, and will no doubt arrive at the Northeastern city soon.
As technology advances, the risk of cybercrime also grows, affecting individuals and institutions alike. Guwahati needs to remain cautious and report suspicious activities at once, as only by adopting cyber hygiene practices, the city’s residents can serve as critical defenses against these threats in 2025 and beyond.
