Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Nov 30: The Cyber Crime Cell has stepped up its crackdown on online fraud, announcing on Saturday that it has blocked 507 fraudulent websites and 767 scam-linked mobile numbers so far in 2025, even as escort and other dubious portals continue to resurface despite repeated action.

Officials said the department initiated 660 takedown requests this year, covering 507 fake websites, 151 social media accounts, and two malicious mobile applications involved in a range of cybercrimes. The blocked mobile numbers were traced to scam operations active across the state and were disabled in coordination with telecom service providers.

“These takedowns include platforms linked to fake parcel delivery rackets, online investment frauds, sextortion and dating app blackmail, impersonation scams using police or customs identities, digital arrest frauds, and fake hotel booking portals targeting tourists,” said SP Cyber Crime Rahul Gupta.

May 2025 recorded the highest enforcement action with 258 websites blocked, followed by 78 in January and 72 in June, he added.

Gupta said the initiatives form part of a continuous cyber hygiene effort supported by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

“Goa Police remains committed to proactively disrupting cybercrime infrastructure and ensuring a safer digital environment for citizens, tourists, and businesses,” he said.