The Indian government has issued a stern warning to citizens about fraudulent cyber crime websites that deceive users into paying money to unblock their devices. These fake sites mimic official portals and claim that the user's device has been locked due to illegal activity, demanding a fee to restore access.
How the Scam Works
According to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), scammers create convincing replicas of government websites, often with domain names similar to legitimate ones. Victims are typically redirected to these sites after encountering pop-ups or alerts while browsing. The fake site displays a message stating that the device has been compromised and that a fine must be paid to unlock it. Payments are usually demanded via cryptocurrency or online transfers, making them untraceable.
Government Advisory
The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that no legitimate government agency asks for payment to unblock devices. Citizens are advised to ignore such messages and never share personal or financial information. If a device appears locked, users should run a security scan or contact a trusted technician. The government also urges reporting such incidents to the Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or by calling the helpline number 1930.
Statistics and Impact
In 2025, India recorded over 1.2 million cyber crime complaints, with a significant portion involving fake websites and ransomware-like tactics. The average loss per victim in such scams is estimated at ₹15,000, according to a report by the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The government has taken down over 500 fake websites in the past six months alone.
How to Stay Safe
To avoid falling victim, never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources. Verify the authenticity of any website claiming to be a government portal by checking the official domain (e.g., .gov.in). Use updated antivirus software and enable two-factor authentication on important accounts. The government also recommends regularly backing up data to prevent loss in case of an attack.
