Hardoi | Hardoi district has recorded the highest number of cybercrime cases in the Lucknow Zone, with 655 cases registered between 2020 and September 15, 2025, according to data obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The alarming figures indicate that the district is fast becoming a hotspot for cybercriminals.
RTI activist and social worker Manish Pal, who accessed the data from the police department, revealed that cases of online fraud, banking scams, social media hacking, and digital blackmail have seen a steady rise over the past five years. “The increasing level of cybercrime in a district like Hardoi is deeply concerning,” Pal said. “There is an urgent need to raise awareness among citizens about online safety and preventive measures.”
He noted that in most cases, victims fall prey to fraud unknowingly and often report the incidents too late, allowing perpetrators to escape. Pal has urged the district administration to strengthen the local cyber cell and launch comprehensive awareness campaigns in both urban and rural areas to promote cyber safety.
Advising the public to stay vigilant, Pal cautioned against clicking on suspicious links, sharing OTPs or bank details, and responding to unknown calls or online transactions. He emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activity immediately to the national cyber helpline at 1930.
“If timely and effective measures are not implemented,” Pal warned, “the rising trend of cybercrime in Hardoi could soon emerge as a serious social and security challenge.”
