📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / UnpetitproleX
Crime
J&K Police Alert Public to Cyber Fraud by Fake Online Friends
✍️ Kashmir Life
🗓 12 Oct 2026, 11:02 AM
👁 20
The Jammu and Kashmir police have issued a warning about scams where fraudsters pose as friends on social media to deceive users.
The Jammu and Kashmir police have cautioned residents about a growing trend of cyber fraud in which perpetrators create fictitious online profiles and pretend to be acquaintances or friends. These fake identities are used to gain the trust of victims, after which the scammers solicit money, personal details or sensitive information.
Authorities said the scams often begin with casual chats on popular messaging apps, followed by requests for financial help or sharing of confidential data. The police have urged users to verify the identity of online contacts through multiple channels and to avoid sending money to anyone they have not met in person.
In a recent advisory, the police highlighted that such frauds have been reported across the region and warned that the financial loss can be substantial. They have also instructed the public to report any suspicious online interaction to the nearest police station or through the official cybercrime helpline.
The department is coordinating with cyber experts to monitor and trace the digital footprints of these fraudsters, aiming to prevent further victimisation and to bring the culprits to justice.
Authorities said the scams often begin with casual chats on popular messaging apps, followed by requests for financial help or sharing of confidential data. The police have urged users to verify the identity of online contacts through multiple channels and to avoid sending money to anyone they have not met in person.
In a recent advisory, the police highlighted that such frauds have been reported across the region and warned that the financial loss can be substantial. They have also instructed the public to report any suspicious online interaction to the nearest police station or through the official cybercrime helpline.
The department is coordinating with cyber experts to monitor and trace the digital footprints of these fraudsters, aiming to prevent further victimisation and to bring the culprits to justice.