Mumbai Police Warn Citizens as Cyberstalking Cases Surge Online

Mumbai: As internet usage and social media engagement continue to surge, cybercrime cases in the city are witnessing a sharp rise, with cyberstalking emerging as one of the most serious concerns. The Mumbai Police have issued a public advisory urging citizens to stay alert and take preventive measures. Cyberstalking involves persistently monitoring, harassing, or targeting an individual through digital platforms. This includes repeatedly sending messages or emails, tracking someone’s activity on social media, or secretly observing them in chat rooms. In several instances, victims are also subjected to threatening messages, making the offence both distressing and dangerous.

According to officials and experts, cyberstalking is carried out through multiple methods, often making it difficult for victims to detect the threat early. Offenders commonly create fake profiles to approach individuals, a tactic widely known as catfishing. They may also keep a close watch on social media posts and location updates, use tools like Google Maps Street View to gather information about surroundings, or even hack webcams to spy on victims. In some cases, stalkerware is used to track a person’s movements, while geotagged photos are exploited to determine their exact location. Studies indicate that over 75 percent of such cases involve women, with motives ranging from harassment and one-sided obsession to revenge and ego.

Highlighting the gravity of the issue, police officials have stated that cyberstalking is not merely an online nuisance but a serious criminal offence that can escalate if not addressed in time. They have stressed that awareness and precaution are key to preventing such incidents. Citizens have been advised to keep their social media privacy settings strict, avoid sharing personal information with unknown individuals, and refrain from making sensitive details like addresses and phone numbers publicly accessible. The use of strong passwords and caution while opening suspicious links or emails has also been emphasised. The Mumbai Police have appealed to the public to immediately report any suspicious online behaviour to ensure timely intervention and safeguard potential victims.