Panaji, Nov 29 (NationPress) In an ongoing effort to combat malicious social media activities, the Goa Cyber Crime Police have executed 660 takedown requests targeting fraudulent digital platforms and successfully obstructed 767 scam-related phone numbers this year, collaborating closely with telecom service providers. This proactive initiative resulted in the removal of 507 counterfeit websites, 151 deceitful social media accounts, and two mobile applications, as detailed in an official statement released on Saturday.

The Superintendent of Police (Cyber Crime) emphasized that the Goa Police are resolutely dedicated to disrupting criminal networks and ensuring digital safety for residents, visitors, and businesses throughout the state.

"This ongoing campaign is vital for diminishing the prevalence of 'digital arrest' scams and online investment frauds that target our community," the SP remarked, underscoring the strategic importance of this operation.

The platforms targeted by these takedown requests were primarily associated with various scams, including fraudulent parcel delivery schemes, sophisticated online investment scams, sextortion rings operating via dating apps, and fraudulent impersonations of government authorities, such as police and customs. Additionally, deceptive hotel booking websites that often prey on tourists were also deactivated.

The peak month for website takedowns was May 2025, with 258 websites taken down, followed by January (78) and June (72).

This initiative is being carried out with technical support from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

The police have urged citizens to utilize the established reporting mechanisms to help prevent these crimes.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious online activity, including websites and phone numbers, through the Chakshu portal at https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/.

For immediate assistance regarding financial fraud, the helpline is 1930, or complaints can be registered online at www.cybercrime.gov.in, the statement added.

The Goa Police has achieved a landmark 100 percent cyber fraud response rate through the 1930 helpline, addressing over 5,000 calls and facilitating quick fund recovery.

This year, Goa has witnessed more than 6,000 cyber fraud incidents, with fraudsters reportedly stealing over Rs 149 crore from victims, as per police data up to late February. Official statistics indicate losses around Rs 100 crore, although under-reporting suggests even higher figures amid a surge in scams, such as investment frauds and digital arrests.