A new cyber fraud trend has emerged where scammers are posing as cyber police officers and accusing people of watching pornographic or illegal content online. Using fear and shame as weapons, they intimidate victims into paying large sums of money.
Rishi (name changed) is among several victims who received a WhatsApp call from someone claiming to be a police official. The caller accused him of watching child pornography and threatened legal action. “They told me my browsing data had been tracked and that I could be arrested,” Rishi recalled. Over a month, he lost more than Rs 1 lakh and was even coerced into opening a bank account linked to the scammers’ phone number.
Many victims reported receiving fake “legal notices” over WhatsApp, which made the threat seem real.
How the scam works
Cybercrime analyst Ajay Singh explained to indianexpress.com that the scam typically begins with a sudden WhatsApp or phone call from someone claiming to represent a “cyber police station.” He also said, “In many cases, the scammers already know personal details like the victim’s name or parents’ names, which makes the call sound genuine.”
The scammer alleges that the victim’s internet data shows repeated access to adult websites and claims that a criminal case has been registered. “They say you can avoid arrest or public embarrassment by paying a fine or obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC),” Singh said. Often, the calls are accompanied by background siren sounds to heighten panic.
How to verify a real cyber police call
Singh clarified that no Indian cyber police unit ever sends notices via WhatsApp or demands money for NOCs. “If a legitimate cybercrime case exists, notices are delivered physically, and legal action follows due process,” he said.
He advised anyone in doubt to contact their local police station or cyber cell directly — and never through the same number that called.
Story continues below this ad
What to do if you get such a call
📌Disconnect immediately and block the number
📌Do not share money, personal documents, or OTPs
📌Preserve evidence — call logs, chats, screenshots, fake notices
📌File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in or call the helpline 1930
📌Report the number on the Sanchar Saathi portal
“The Sanchar Saathi portal allows citizens to report suspicious communications — including calls, texts, or WhatsApp messages used for impersonation or fraud,” Singh explained.
Preserving digital evidence
Victims should quietly save call records, chats, screenshots, and recordings before reporting, Singh advised. “Export your chat history if possible and file a complaint without alerting the scammer,” he said.
Cybersecurity expert Akshat Khetan added that scammers often use official-looking logos, fake NCRB or Cyber Cell notices, and threats of jail to create panic and extort money.
Story continues below this ad
Is watching adult content illegal?
According to Khetan, watching adult pornography privately is not a criminal offence in India. “The Supreme Court has affirmed that adults viewing such content in private cannot be prosecuted solely for that,” he said.
However, production, distribution, or sharing of pornographic material — especially involving minors or violence — is punishable under the IT Act, 2000 (Section 67B) and related IPC provisions.
Khetan further explained how to verify a police notice: “Check for a valid case or FIR number, official letterhead, date, signature, and ideally a QR code or verification link. Use only official contact details from government websites to verify.”
If the details cannot be corroborated, he said, “treat it as a scam and report it through the national cybercrime portal.”
Story continues below this ad
The bigger picture
“Awareness is the first line of defence,” Singh stressed. “Most victims fall prey because of fear and lack of information.”
He urged authorities to act swiftly in blocking suspicious SIM cards and bank accounts, and telecom operators to re-verify flagged connections. “Victims must also overcome fear and report such crimes. Silence only empowers scammers,” he said.
For any such intimidation or extortion attempt, citizens are advised to report immediately to cybercrime.gov.in or call the cybercrime helpline 1930.