Overview On December 19, 2025 , Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil issued an advisory to the public, warning against the rising incidents of cyber fraud related to Christmas and New Year gift offers. The advisory aims to increase public awareness and vigilance during the festive season, when cybercriminals often exploit online shopping trends. Key Concerns Deceptive Links: Cybercriminals circulate fake links through social media and emails, promising gift cards, prizes, or festive rewards. Data Theft: Clicking on these links can lead to the theft of personal and financial information. Sensitive Information: Sharing details like Aadhaar , PAN , voter ID, bank account information, or mobile numbers on unknown links can result in financial manipulation. Preventive Measures The advisory outlines several preventive measures to protect the public from cyber fraud: Ignore Suspicious Messages: Ignore and delete any suspicious messages or links. Verify Authenticity: Verify the authenticity of online offers before responding. Report Incidents: Victims of cyber fraud should immediately report incidents to the nearest police station or cybercrime numbers. Reporting Mechanisms National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930 Online Portal: cybercrime.gov.in UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly under GS3 (Cyber Security) and GS2 (Governance) . It highlights the increasing threat of cybercrime and the importance of public awareness and government initiatives to combat it. Key Takeaways for UPSC Cyber Security: Understanding the types of cyber fraud and preventive measures. Government Initiatives: Awareness of national helplines and online portals for reporting cybercrimes. Digital Literacy: The need for increased digital literacy among the population to avoid falling victim to cyber fraud. Important Facts Date of Advisory: December 19, 2025 Issuing Authority: Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil Helpline Number: 1930 Reporting Website: cybercrime.gov.in