Goa, a popular vacation destination in India, has recently launched an unprecedented online anti-fraud operation. Over the past 10 months, the police have successfully blocked 672 fake websites and 936 fraudulent phone numbers involved in illegal gambling, pornographic trafficking, and fake hotel bookings, posing a serious threat to the property and information security of local residents and tourists.
According to the Times of India, the crackdown began in October last year, with the first wave shutting down 78 scam websites. Since entering 2025, the pace of the crackdown has significantly accelerated, with 270 websites blocked in May alone, 84 more in June, and another 48 by mid-July, with the operation continuing to advance.
The police pointed out that some fake websites specifically impersonate high-end hotels or travel service platforms, attracting tourists with low-price offers, only to lead them to gambling, prostitution, or pornographic content, forming a transnational network fraud chain. Additionally, the authorities have also blocked the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) codes of 134 devices involved in the cases, aiming to cut off the communication tools of criminals.
The Goa cybercrime department particularly emphasized that the elderly, women, and high-income groups are the main targets of fraudsters. The police have officially notified all internet service providers under the Information Technology Act to immediately comply with the blocking orders.
The authorities also remind the public to be vigilant and not to click on links from unknown SMS or email sources, even if the content seems legitimate, as it could be a sophisticated "phishing trap".
The Goa police stated that the network cleansing operation will continue, aiming to establish a safer and clearer digital environment, protecting tourists and the local community from false online harms.
