Bhupinder Singh Sasan
bhupindersingh9.bs@gmail.com
In a recent case highlighting the growing dangers of social media, a college-going girl fell victim to online deception after being lured by a boy who falsely projected himself as a successful businessman with a large enterprise. The illusion, carefully built through conversations and promises, eventually collapsed when it was revealed that he was, in reality, working as a labourer in a factory. The disclosure, made to the victim’s mother, left the young girl shaken, realising her mistake and experiencing a deep loss of trust.
The digital revolution has transformed the way people communicate, learn, and interact. Social media platforms, once seen as tools of empowerment and connectivity, are now increasingly becoming spaces of vulnerability-especially for women. Across the country, cybercrime units are witnessing a steady and troubling rise in offences specifically targeting women, ranging from harassment and stalking to sophisticated forms of exploitation such as sextortion and deepfake abuse.
While cybercrime affects all sections of society, crimes against women carry a distinctly personal and invasive nature. Unlike financial fraud, these offences often aim to exploit dignity, privacy, and emotional vulnerability.
Cases of cyberstalking, abusive messaging, fake profiles, and non-consensual sharing of private images are being reported with increasing frequency. In many instances, offenders download photographs from public social media accounts and manipulate them into objectionable content. Such material is then used to defame victims or to coerce them into compliance.
The psychological trauma caused by such acts is often severe, leaving victims anxious, fearful, and socially withdrawn.
School- and college-going girls form the most vulnerable group in the digital ecosystem. Their high engagement on platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat, combined with a natural inclination to build social connections, often makes them easy targets.
Offenders exploit this openness by posing as peers, seniors, or even romantic interests. In many cases, they invest considerable time-sometimes weeks or months-building trust before initiating exploitation.
This is not a random crime. It is planned, patient, and psychologically driven. The offender first becomes a “friend” before turning into a blackmailer.
A common pattern observed in numerous cases begins in a normal way, with a friend request or a casual message. Gradually, conversations become personal, leading to emotional bonding. Victims are often persuaded into sharing personal photographs or engaging in private video calls.
Without their knowledge, these interactions are frequently recorded. The situation escalates rapidly into sextortion, where the offender threatens to circulate the content among family members, classmates, or across social media platforms unless demands are met.
These demands may involve money, further explicit content, or continued interaction under coercion.
The growing misuse of technology has made these crimes more dangerous and harder to detect, such as:
Deepfake Technology: Artificial intelligence is now being used to create highly realistic fake videos using a woman’s face, often with devastating consequences for her reputation.
Phishing and Account Hacking: Fake links and login pages are used to gain unauthorized access to personal accounts, exposing private conversations and images.
Encrypted Platforms: Apps with disappearing messages give offenders a false sense of security and make evidence collection difficult.
Anonymous Networks: Private groups on platforms like Telegram are used to circulate morphed or explicit content, sometimes even for profit.
These advancements have allowed offenders to operate with greater anonymity and scale.
Despite the rising number of cases, underreporting remains a major concern. Social stigma, fear of judgment, and concerns about family reputation often discourage victims from coming forward. Many young girls choose to suffer in silence, hoping the situation will resolve itself. However, experts warn that non-reporting only emboldens offenders and allows them to target more victims.
There is nothing to be ashamed of. The crime lies with the offender, not the victim.
India has a comprehensive legal framework to deal with cyber offences against women. Laws address issues such as stalking, voyeurism, identity theft, and the circulation of obscene content. Additional protections are available for minors under stricter provisions.
Importantly, the identity of victims in such cases is legally protected, and police are obligated to register complaints promptly. However, a lack of awareness about these rights often prevents victims from seeking legal recourse.
The first few hours after an incident are crucial. Victims are advised to:
* Immediately stop all communication with the offender
* Avoid giving in to threats or making payments
* Preserve evidence such as screenshots, chat logs, and profile links
* Secure their accounts by changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication
* Report the matter to the cybercrime helpline (1930) or the nearest police station
Deleting chats or delaying reporting can significantly weaken the investigation.
Simple precautions can go a long way in preventing such crimes:
* Keep social media accounts private
* Avoid accepting requests from unknown individuals
* Refrain from sharing personal or intimate content online
* Do not click on suspicious links or share OTPs
* Regularly review privacy settings and security options
It is important to understand that online identities are often deceptive.
Combating cyber crimes against women requires collective responsibility. Parents must foster open communication and create an environment where children feel safe reporting issues without fear of blame. Educational institutions should actively conduct cyber awareness programs and provide access to counseling support. Peers and society at large also play a critical role by refusing to forward objectionable content and by supporting victims.
The rise in cyber crimes against women is not merely a technological issue-it is a social challenge that demands awareness, sensitivity, and proactive intervention. As digital spaces continue to expand, ensuring the safety and dignity of women online must remain a priority.
Finally, your online safety is in your hands-stay alert, protect your privacy, and never hesitate to report. Silence only empowers cyber crimnals .
(The author is Investigating officer at Cyber Police Station Jammu)
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