Uttarakhand recorded 316 sextortion cases between January 1 and October 15, 2026, with victims reportedly losing approximately ₹3.5 crore, according to state cybercrime statistics cited in the report. The figures place sextortion ahead of several other reported online fraud categories, including gaming, trading and investment scams.
During the same period, the state registered 203 complaints related to online gaming, 188 involving trading fraud and 138 associated with investment scams. The figures highlight the range of digital fraud risks facing residents and the importance of reporting suspected offences promptly.
Adults Aged 26–40 Account for the Largest Share of Sextortion Cases
People between 26 and 40 years of age represented the largest group among reported sextortion victims. Of the 316 cases recorded up to October 15, 2026, 161 involved individuals in this age bracket.
The remaining cases included:
135 cases involving people aged 18–25.
18 cases involving individuals aged 41–60.
Two cases involving people from other age groups.
The wider cybercrime figures also indicate substantial exposure across the state. By October 15, a total of 25,584 people had reportedly fallen victim to different forms of online fraud in Uttarakhand. This included 20,238 men, 5,330 women and 16 transgender persons.
People aged 26–40 again accounted for the largest share, with 11,284 individuals affected across all reported cybercrime categories.
Over the past five years, more than 72,785 people in Uttarakhand have reportedly been targeted by cybercriminals.
How Fraudsters Exploit Social Media and Video Calls
According to cyber police officials, fraudsters commonly approach potential victims through unsolicited video calls and online friendship requests from unfamiliar social media accounts.
In the alleged scheme, criminals record compromising footage during video interactions and subsequently threaten to share it with the victim's family, friends or wider social network.
The threat of embarrassment and social consequences can make victims hesitant to approach the police. Fraudsters allegedly exploit this fear by demanding money and pressuring individuals into making payments to prevent the material from being circulated.
Such incidents demonstrate how online platforms can be misused to target individuals through intimidation and financial coercion.
Police Urge Victims to Report Blackmail Immediately
Ajay Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Special Task Force, Uttarakhand, has cautioned people against interacting with unfamiliar accounts and accepting video calls from unknown numbers.
Police have advised residents to exercise caution when receiving unexpected online friendship requests and avoid sharing personal information or engaging with suspicious profiles.
The advisory also stresses that people facing blackmail should not give in to monetary demands or allow fear to prevent them from seeking help.
Victims are encouraged to report suspected cybercrime immediately by calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930. Complaints can also be submitted through the official portal cybercrime.gov.in.
Why Immediate Reporting Matters
Delaying a complaint can make it harder for authorities to respond to suspicious transactions and investigate the accounts involved. Anyone targeted should preserve relevant messages, call records and payment information and share them with law enforcement rather than continuing negotiations with the suspected extortionists.
The growing number of reported digital fraud incidents also highlights the importance of stronger financial controls, awareness and timely investigation. Organisations seeking assistance with suspicious transactions and financial irregularities can explore Shunyatax's financial investigation and forensic support.