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  • Cyber Scams in India: Detailed Guide on Common Types and How to Stay Safe in 2024

    Cyber Scams in India: Detailed Guide on Common Types and How to Stay Safe in 2024

    cyber scams in india, cyber crimes in india

    The latest data on cyber scams in India reveals alarming trends in 2024. In just the first nine months of the year, over ₹11,333 crore was lost to various cyber scams in india, reflecting the growing sophistication and prevalence of cyber fraud. Key insights from recent reports include:

    Types of Cyber scams in India

    1. Stock Trading Frauds

    Fraudsters exploit people’s aspirations to grow wealth by creating fake trading platforms and apps that promise high returns on investments. Victims are often lured through advertisements on social media or via spam emails. Once funds are transferred to these fraudulent platforms, the money becomes unrecoverable. The scammers may also manipulate trading algorithms to show false profits, enticing victims to invest more before disappearing. In 2024 alone, such scams caused losses exceeding ₹4,636 crore, making it the most financially damaging cybercrime category. This highlights the importance of sticking to regulated and well-known trading platforms​

    2. Investment Frauds

    Scammers prey on individuals by offering lucrative investment opportunities with guaranteed returns, often in sectors like real estate, cryptocurrencies, or start-ups. They use polished websites and testimonials to establish credibility. Once the victim deposits the money, the scammers cut off all communication. With over ₹3,216 crore lost to investment frauds in 2024, this category ranks second among major cyber scams in india. Victims are encouraged to perform due diligence, verify company credentials, and avoid “too-good-to-be-true” schemes​

    3. Digital Arrest Scams

    In this tactic, scammers impersonate law enforcement officials from agencies like the police, CBI, or RBI. Victims are accused of being involved in crimes such as money laundering or drug trafficking. The fraudsters use threats of immediate arrest to create panic, pressuring victims into paying fines or revealing sensitive information. In 2024, losses from digital arrest scams totaled ₹1,616 crore, impacting thousands across all demographics. Staying calm, verifying claims with the official departments, and recognizing that authorities never demand money over the phone are critical preventive measures​

    4. Fake Loan and Financial App Scams

    Fraudulent loan apps promise instant credit without documentation, preying on those in urgent financial need. Victims often unknowingly grant permissions to their data, including contacts and gallery, which scammers use to harass them for repayments, even for loans never taken. These apps are distributed through unofficial platforms, bypassing security checks. Between January and April 2024, loan app frauds resulted in over ₹1,203 crore in losses, affecting thousands. To avoid falling victim, users should only download apps from official stores and verify the app’s authenticity​

    5. Romance and Dating Scams

    Romance cyber scams in india exploit emotional vulnerability. Scammers build trust through fake profiles on dating apps or social media platforms, often claiming to be overseas professionals. Once trust is established, they request money citing emergencies, like medical issues or travel expenses. Victims in India lost over ₹132 crore to such scams in 2024. Protecting oneself involves verifying the other person’s identity through video calls and avoiding financial transactions with online acquaintances​

    6. Gaming App Scams

    These frauds target gamers by offering in-game currency, rare items, or rewards at a discount. Fraudulent links or third-party apps are used to steal payment details or inject malware into devices. Gamers, often minors, are particularly susceptible to these traps. With gaming frauds increasing rapidly, parents and users must ensure they use secure payment methods and avoid unauthorized apps. Experts suggest enabling parental controls and keeping apps up to date

    7. Algorithm Manipulation Scams

    This emerging form of fraud targets businesses and professionals using digital platforms for advertising or data analytics. Scammers manipulate algorithms to create misleading metrics, like inflated website traffic or fake customer reviews, leading to financial losses or reputational damage. Vigilance in monitoring genuine metrics and using trusted analytics tools is crucial to prevent such frauds​

    8. Fake Job Offers

    Job seekers are baited with attractive offers requiring upfront payments for “processing fees” or training. The scammers vanish once the payment is made. With unemployment and desperation rising, this scam continues to trap thousands. Always verify job offers through official company websites or trusted sources before making payments​

    Cyber Scams in India Reporting

    Conclusion

    The rise in cyber scams in India underscores the importance of cybersecurity awareness and the use of trusted platforms for transactions. The government and law enforcement agencies are working to curb these frauds, but individuals must also stay informed and cautious to protect themselves. For reporting scams, visit the Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or contact helplines like 1930 for financial fraud complaints with regards to cyber scams in india.

    What are the most common types of cyber scams in India?

    The most common types of cyber scams in India include: stock trading frauds, investment frauds, digital arrest scams, fake loan and UPI & financial app scams, romance and dating scams, gaming app scams, algorithm manipulation scams, and fake job offers

    What are the main ways scammers try to trick people?

    Scammers use tactics such as creating fake websites like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Paytm etc., sending phishing links, using fear-based language and urgency, and impersonating government officials or law enforcement

    What is a “digital arrest” scam?

    In a digital arrest scam, fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials like Mumbai Police, Delhi Police, Maharashtra Police, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Investigation Department(CID) to accuse victims of crimes like money laundering and use threats of arrest to pressure them into paying fines or revealing sensitive information

    What are the government bodies that help to fight cyber crime?

    The Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is a government portal for reporting cyber scams1524. The National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) is for reporting financial fraud and cyber scams2425. The Department of Telecommunication offers a portal (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/) for reporting suspicious numbers

  • Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [14.08.2024]: Click here to Know More

    Important global cybercrime news has been curated by Futurecrime Researchers to keep you informed about various types of digital fraud occurring worldwide and to provide insights into the best mitigation strategies. Read below to learn more in detail.

    1. Fraudsters Create Fake Police Email to Freeze accounts and Multiple multiple victims.
    Nagpur police busted a cybercrime racket where fraudsters used a fake Nagpur police email ID to freeze bank accounts and extort money from customers to unfreeze them. Two suspects were arrested in Mumbai. The scam, active for 1.5 years, was uncovered after a bank official reported suspicious emails.

    2. Cyber Crime Bust: Rs. 2.51 Crore Returned to Victims, Governor Calls for Stronger Security Measures
    Himachal Pradesh Police refunded Rs. 2.51 crore to online fraud victims, as revealed during a meeting between DIG Cyber Crime Mohit Chawla and Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla. The Governor emphasized the need for enhanced cybersecurity and public awareness, along specialized training for police to combat rising cybercrimes.

    3. ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams Surge in India, Potentially Spreading Globally
    A Delhi woman was scammed into paying Rs 200,000 after fraudsters posing as CBI officers claimed her husband was under “digital arrest.” The scammers used fear tactics and fake calls, leading to the arrest of three suspects involved in similar fraudulent activities targeting others.

    4. Cyber Scam: 70-Year-Old Defrauded of Rs 1.9 Lakh
    A 70-year-old Indore man lost Rs. 1.9 lakh to scammers posing as customer care officers. After downloading a malicious app, the victim’s credit and debit cards were used for transactions. He promptly blocked his accounts and reported the incident to the police, who registered a case.

    ALSO READ: FCRF Launches ‘Cyber Safe Uttar Pradesh’ Initiative to Combat Rising Cyber Crime

    5. Alert! Indore Residents Targeted by Cybercriminals from Bengaluru and Hyderabad
    Indore residents are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals from cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mewat. The city’s cyber desk received 53 complaints within two months, mainly related to UPI fraud and social media hacks. Police recovered over Rs. 3 lakh and froze Rs. 22 lakh in fraudsters’ accounts.

    INTERNATIONAL

    6. J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk Accused in Cyberbullying Lawsuit by Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Following Olympic Victory
    J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk are named in a French lawsuit for aggravated cyber harassment against Olympic champion Imane Khelif. The complaint, filed by Khelif’s lawyer, includes other controversial figures and focuses on abusive online behavior during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

    7. France Reports Over 140 Cyberattacks Linked to 2024 Olympics
    France reported 140 cyberattacks during the Paris Olympics, none of which disrupted events. The attacks mainly targeted government and infrastructure, with ransomware affecting museums. Despite a higher expected threat level, the cybersecurity agency Anssi confirmed all incidents had low impact on the Games.

    ALSO READ:  FutureCrime Summit: Biggest Conference on Cyber Crimes Set to Return in February 2025

    8. GhostWrite: New T-Head CPU Vulnerabilities Expose Devices to Unrestricted Exploits
    Researchers from the CISPA Helmholtz Center identified a serious architectural bug in T-Head’s XuanTie RISC-V CPUs, dubbed GhostWrite, which allows attackers to gain full access to devices by bypassing memory isolation. The flaw can only be mitigated by disabling the CPU’s vector extension, significantly reducing performance.

    9. Australia Launches Cyber Command
    The Australian Defence Force (ADF) established a Cyber Command within its Joint Capabilities Group, consolidating cyber-warfare units for better integration and management. The new command enhances ADF’s capabilities in cyberspace and information warfare, aligning with the government’s directive to strengthen national cybersecurity efforts.

    10. Cybercriminal J.P. Morgan Held Accountable
    Maksim Silnikau, a key figure in J.P. Morgan’s cybercrime group, was arrested in Spain. His network developed ransomware and exploit kits, extorting millions globally. Silnikau’s operations, including the Angler Exploit Kit, pioneered ransomware-as-a-service, causing significant financial and emotional harm to victims.

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  • Deepfake of IPS Officer Ankita Sharma Goes Viral, Sending Shockwaves Among Netizens

    In a disturbing development that highlights the growing menace of cybercrime in India, a deepfake video featuring IPS officer Ankita Sharma has gone viral on social media. Ankita Sharma, an officer from the 2018 batch of the Indian Police Service (IPS) and currently posted as the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has been depicted in a manipulated video that falsely portrays her offering financial opportunities. The 32-second video, reportedly created using advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, shows IPS Ankita Sharma suggesting ways to earn up to INR 30,000 per month by packing pencils and pens at home.

    What Happened?

    The video, which has quickly spread across various social media platforms, misuses the likeness and voice of the respected IPS officer to suggest that individuals can easily make money with minimal effort. The deepfake video indicates that people would receive INR 15,000 in advance to begin the work, thus preying on vulnerable individuals seeking quick financial gain.

    Upon discovery of the video, Ankita Sharma promptly filed a complaint at the Kanpur police station, leading to an investigation. According to sources, the viral video is suspected to have been created using sophisticated AI techniques, and the police are currently working to trace and apprehend those responsible for this cybercrime.

    Background and Broader Implications

    Ankita Sharma is known for her commendable work in the police force and has an impeccable reputation. The deepfake video targeting her is not an isolated incident but is part of a growing trend where cybercriminals exploit AI to create misleading and potentially harmful content. In recent years, deepfake technology has been increasingly used to create videos that can manipulate public perception, spread disinformation, and tarnish the reputations of public figures.

    ISO Awarded: A Historic Day for the Noida Police Commissionerate Headquarters

    The case of IPS Ankita Sharma is reminiscent of similar incidents involving celebrities and public figures, such as the viral deepfake videos of actress Rashmika Mandanna and independent MLA from Rajasthan, Ritu Banawat. These videos, which falsely depicted the individuals in compromising situations, were later found to be entirely fabricated using AI technology.

    The Role of AI in Cybercrime

    The use of AI in creating deepfake videos represents a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies globally. Cybercriminals exploit AI to produce highly realistic but entirely fake content, which can be used for blackmail, fraud, and disinformation. The implications for privacy, security, and trust in digital content are profound, as deepfake technology continues to evolve and become more accessible.

    The swift action by IPS Ankita Sharma in reporting the incident has set an example of how to respond to such threats. However, this case also underscores the urgent need for increased cybersecurity measures, public awareness, and legal frameworks to combat the misuse of AI technologies.

    What’s Next?

    The Kanpur police, under the guidance of the Police Commissioner, are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. The initial findings suggest that the video was created using advanced AI techniques, and efforts are being made to trace the origin of the video and hold the perpetrators accountable. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in the digital age and the need for comprehensive strategies to address the challenges posed by deepfake technology.

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  • Noida Police Uncover Rs 14,999 Crore GST Fraud, Arrest 48 in Connection with 2,600 Shell Companies

    A member of a gang that allegedly opened over 600 fake companies, causing a loss of more than Rs 15,000 crore to the Indian government, has been arrested in Odisha. The Noida Police had announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for the arrest of this individual. This marks the 48th arrest in the ongoing investigation by the Noida Police, and notably, none of the accused have been granted bail so far.

    DCP Crime Shakti Mohan Awasthi stated that the arrested individual has been identified as Parmeshwar Nayak, a resident of Naupara, Odisha. Nayak is accused of fraudulently obtaining input tax credits using fake documents. Due to his prolonged evasion, a reward of Rs 25,000 was placed on his arrest. The police recovered several items from him, including letterheads of fake firms, rent agreements, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and other documents used to establish shell companies and claim input tax credits.

    ALSO READ: FCRF Launches ‘Cyber Safe Uttar Pradesh’ Initiative to Combat Rising Cyber Crime

    Gangster charges have been invoked against 36 accused in this GST fraud case by the Noida Police. The police are now identifying and preparing to seize the movable and immovable assets of these accused individuals, with some assets already identified.

    So far, 48 people have been arrested in connection with this case. Due to the effective prosecution by the Noida Police, none of the accused have been granted bail in the past year. Several accused have rewards announced on them.

    There are suspicions that some of the accused have fled the country with their families, with reports suggesting they have taken refuge in places like Dubai. The Noida Police are preparing to issue open-dated warrants for their arrest. A Red Corner Notice has already been issued, and with the issuance of these warrants, the Noida Police may either pursue the arrests abroad or seek assistance from Interpol to apprehend the fugitives.

    ALSO READ:  FutureCrime Summit: Biggest Conference on Cyber Crimes Set to Return in February 2025

    The modus operandi involved the accused obtaining PAN and Aadhaar card data from people across the country and using this information to establish fake companies that existed only on paper. They then obtained GST numbers and issued fake bills to claim GST refunds, defrauding the government of crores of rupees. Investigations have revealed that the fraudsters even sold these fake companies with GST numbers on demand.

    The money deposited in these companies was used to launder black money. Several suspects, including those with rewards on their heads, are still at large. The Noida Police have formed four teams to conduct raids at potential hideouts in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and other locations. Some of the assets of these accused have already been seized.

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  • Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [13.08.2024]: Click here to Know More

    Important global cybercrime news has been curated by Futurecrime Researchers to keep you informed about various types of digital fraud occurring worldwide and to provide insights into the best mitigation strategies. Read below to learn more in detail.

    1. Three Cybercriminals Arrested in Rajasthan
    The UT police arrested three men from Jodhpur, Rajasthan—Mahesh Jangid, Vishal Gaur, and Hemant Parjapati—for defrauding a Chandigarh resident of Rs 3.66 crore under the guise of stock market investments. The suspects lured the victim via a WhatsApp group, with the stolen money being funneled into a bank account and cryptocurrency.

    2. Woman Scammed Out of Rs 2.6 Lakh by Cyber Fraudsters Offering ITR Assistance
    A Mumbai fashion designer lost Rs 2.62 lakh to a scammer who posed as a bank employee offering help with filing her income tax returns. After searching for the income tax department’s contact information on Google, she received a call from the fraudster, who gained remote access to her phone and conducted fraudulent transactions.

    3. Ghaziabad Couple Falls Victim to a cyber scam, Losing Over Rs 3 Crore
    A Ghaziabad couple lost Rs 3.1 crore in cyber fraud after being lured by a fake investment opportunity via a Facebook ad. Nabanita Mishra, who filed the FIR, reported that they were added to a WhatsApp group posing as a legitimate investment platform. After multiple transactions, they realized they were scammed when they couldn’t access their funds.

    4. Businessman Reports Cyber Fraud Early, Prevents Rs 1 Crore Loss
    A Hyderabad businessman who lost Rs 1.1 crore to cyber fraud recovered Rs 1 crore after quickly reporting the incident to the National Cyber Crime Helpline. The TG Cyber Security Bureau froze the funds just 12 minutes after the complaint was lodged, highlighting the importance of reporting cyber frauds immediately.

    ALSO READ: FCRF Launches ‘Cyber Safe Uttar Pradesh’ Initiative to Combat Rising Cyber Crime

    5. 104 FIRs and 3,000 Complaints Filed Across India: 4 Cyber Con Artists Apprehended
    Gurgaon police arrested four cyber fraudsters linked to Rs 11.2 crore in online scams involving 3,057 complaints and 104 FIRs across India. The accused lured victims with fake stock market investment opportunities. Cybercrime in Gurgaon has surged, with Rs 285 crore lost in 2024, but recovery rates have improved to 16%.

    INTERNATIONAL

    6. Australian Gold Miner Evolution Mining Hit by Ransomware Attack
    Evolution Mining, an Australian gold mining company, reported a ransomware attack on its IT systems discovered on August 8. The attack, now contained, was managed with external cyber forensics experts. The company, which anticipates no significant operational impact, informed the Australian Cyber Security Centre and emphasized safeguarding data and privacy.

    7. McLaren Health Care Targeted in Cyber Attack
    McLaren Health Care experienced a cyberattack on August 7, 2024, potentially compromising patient and employee data. The healthcare organization implemented downtime procedures and is restoring functionality, though some non-urgent appointments were rescheduled. Cybersecurity expert Erich Kron emphasized the importance of protecting sensitive data and training employees to detect phishing threats.

    ALSO READ:  FutureCrime Summit: Biggest Conference on Cyber Crimes Set to Return in February 2025

    8. Hackers Steal Personal Data of 200,000+ Individuals Linked to Arizona Tech School
    The East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) in Arizona experienced a January cyberattack that exposed the data of 208,717 students, staff, and parents. The LockBit ransomware group claimed responsibility. EVIT is enhancing security measures and notifying affected individuals, offering 12 months of credit monitoring. The stolen data includes up to 48 types of personal information.

    9. Swiss Company Schlatter Faces IT Disruption Due to Cyberattack
    Schlatter Industries, a Swiss engineering company, suffered a malware cyberattack on Friday, likely a professional blackmail attempt. The company is investigating potential data theft and working to restore its systems. Security measures were promptly initiated, and authorities have been involved in addressing the incident.

    10. International Ransomware and Malvertising Ring Leader Extradited from Poland to Face Charges
    Maksim Silnikau, a dual-national from Belarus and Ukraine, was extradited from Poland and charged in the U.S. for leading major cybercrime schemes, including distributing malware and operating the Ransom Cartel ransomware. Silnikau faces multiple charges, including wire fraud and computer fraud, with severe penalties if convicted.

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  • CBI Registers FIR Against Tech Support Fraud Call Centers Following Complaints from Amazon and Microsoft

    New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an FIR against 10 call centers following complaints from global e-commerce leader Amazon and IT giant Microsoft, accusing them of defrauding customers by offering fake technical support and enticing them with offers for plan upgrades, officials revealed on Saturday.

    The CBI registered the FIR based on a complaint from Microsoft, with five of the call centers also being implicated in a separate case filed by Amazon, according to officials.

    These two cases were initially registered on October 4 of the previous year but have only recently been made public by order of a special court.

    ALSO READ: FCRF Launches ‘Cyber Safe Uttar Pradesh’ Initiative to Combat Rising Cyber Crime

    The call centers in question allegedly charged foreign customers by pretending to offer technical assistance when they attempted to activate devices like Amazon’s Fire Stick, the officials stated.

    In Microsoft’s case, the perpetrators reportedly sent ‘pop-up’ messages to victims, urging them to call a number to address a supposed threat to their computers. Once the customers called, the call center operators allegedly defrauded them.

    In Amazon’s case, the operators are accused of charging victims for phony technical support when they tried to activate devices such as the Fire Stick.

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  • SEBI Slaps Charges on Nippon Life India Asset Management Amid Serious Legal Troubles

    The capital markets regulator has imposed fines on Nippon Life India Asset Management Ltd. and Nippon Life India Trustee Ltd., amounting to Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively, for inappropriately charging the total expense ratio (TER) of various schemes to the asset management company’s accounts.

    The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) prohibits such practices to maintain fairness among large and small asset management companies (AMCs), reduce portfolio churning, and ensure transparency in expenses.

    In an order dated August 8, Sebi noted that the AMC had borne excessive expenses for a few of its schemes and that the trustee failed to ensure compliance with regulations.

    ALSO READ: FCRF Launches ‘Cyber Safe Uttar Pradesh’ Initiative to Combat Rising Cyber Crime

    On October 22, 2018, Sebi issued a circular mandating that all scheme-related expenses, including commissions paid to distributors, must be paid from the scheme itself and within regulatory limits, rather than from the books of the AMC or related entities. During Sebi’s investigation, it was found that in five of the AMC’s exchange-traded funds (ETFs), less than 1% of the expense was charged to the schemes, while certain other scheme expenses were charged to the AMC’s books, which was alleged to be in violation of the October 2018 circular.

    AMCs are permitted to cover expenses that are “very small in value but high in volume” from their books, up to a maximum of 2 basis points (bps) of the respective scheme’s assets under management (AUM). However, in this case, expenses exceeding this limit were charged to the AMC’s books for FY21 and FY22.

    Although the AMC and its trustees argued that the schemes in question were ETFs and Fund of Funds (FoFs), primarily oriented toward direct plans, Sebi’s order emphasized that the October circular applies to all types of schemes without exception.

    The order stated that allowing varied practices could create disparities in the mutual fund industry, where profitable or well-funded AMCs could afford to cover scheme expenses from their books while smaller AMCs could not. It added that the objective of the TER circular is to enhance transparency in expenses and reduce portfolio churning, not to permit inconsistent practices. Consequently, Sebi rejected the AMC and trustee’s arguments as untenable.

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  • Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [12.08.2024]: Click here to Know More

    Important global cybercrime news has been curated by Futurecrime Researchers to keep you informed about various types of digital fraud occurring worldwide and to provide insights into the best mitigation strategies. Read below to learn more in detail.

    1. Telangana Man Duped by a fake job offer is forced into Cybercrime
    A man from Telangana’s Jagtial was trafficked to Cambodia under the false promise of a lucrative job. After paying a placement fee, he was forced to work for a cyber fraud operation with Chinese links. His family managed to secure his release through the Indian Embassy after sending money for his food and return flight.

    2. Cyber Cell Nabs Three, Uncovers Online Investment Scam
    Delhi Police’s Cyber Cell arrested three men from Maharashtra for an online stock market investment scam, where a victim lost Rs 36.27 lakh. The fraudsters, who laundered money through multiple bank accounts and converted it into cryptocurrency, were caught after a police raid. The syndicate’s mastermind remains at large.

    3. Cybercriminals Cheat Two of Rs 10 Crore in IPO Fraud
    In Hyderabad, two professionals lost over Rs 10 crore in separate cyber scams involving fake IPO investments. Posing as representatives of Goldman Sachs and IIFL Securities, the fraudsters lured victims through WhatsApp and Facebook, convincing them to invest in fraudulent stock schemes. Both victims have filed complaints, and investigations are ongoing.

    4. Mancherial Resident Loses Rs. 88,000 in Cyber Fraud
    In Mancherial, cyber fraudsters scammed Rs 88,000 from a person in Kottur village by tricking him with a fake cash prize link on Telegram. After gaining his trust, they siphoned off the funds in phases. The victim reported the fraud to the police, who have initiated an investigation.

    OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: FCRF Launches ‘Cyber Safe Uttar Pradesh’ Initiative to Combat Rising Cyber Crime

    5. Delhi Police Arrests Three Cybercriminals from Jalgaon, Maharashtra
    Three men from Maharashtra were arrested for defrauding a woman of Rs 36.27 lakh in a fake share market investment scheme. The accused, identified as Jayesh Bhole, Rakesh Jadhav, and Harshwardhan Bhosale, were nabbed in Jalgaon. Two are unemployed, while Jadhav runs a transport business.

    INTERNATIONAL

    6. Iranian Cyber Attack Affects US Election: Trump Campaign Implicated
    Iranian hackers, linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, targeted a US presidential campaign, breaching the account of a former adviser and attempting to spear-phish a senior official. The attack, attributed to the group MintSandstorm, has reignited concerns about foreign interference in the 2024 US election, particularly targeting Donald Trump.

    7. ‘Digital Vaccine’ Initiative Aims to Protect Vulnerable Groups from Cyber Scams
    The government has launched the “digital vaccine” campaign, led by Digital Economy Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong, to enhance cybersecurity awareness and protect against online scams. Partnering with 11 agencies, including the Royal Thai Police, the campaign targets vulnerable groups, educating them on safe online practices amid rising cybercrime.

    ALSO READ: FutureCrime Summit: Biggest Conference on Cyber Crimes Set to Return in February 2025

    8. Spyware Alert: 32,000 Downloads from Google Play Store
    Kaspersky discovered a new spyware campaign spreading the ‘Mandrake’ malware on Google Play, disguised as legitimate apps for cryptocurrency and utilities. The malware, active for years, evaded detection using advanced obfuscation techniques. Over 32,000 downloads occurred before the apps were removed in July 2024.

    9. EastWind Attack Uses Booby-Trapped LNK Files to Deploy PlugY and GrewApacha Backdoors
    A spear-phishing campaign, dubbed EastWind, targets Russian IT and government organizations, delivering backdoors and trojans like GrewApacha, CloudSorcerer, and PlugY. Using booby-trapped LNK files, the malware conducts espionage, data theft, and remote control via cloud services like Dropbox and GitHub. Kaspersky also uncovered related CMoon worm attacks.

    10. Rogue PyPI Library Targets Solana Users, Steals Blockchain Wallet Keys
    A malicious package named “solana-py” on PyPI, disguised as a legitimate Solana library, stole blockchain wallet keys and garnered 1,122 downloads before being removed. The rogue package used version numbers to deceive users and exfiltrated stolen data to the Hugging Face domain. This highlights risks in software supply chains.

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  • Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [11.08.2024]: Click here to Know More

    Important global cybercrime news has been curated by Futurecrime Researchers to keep you informed about various types of digital fraud occurring worldwide and to provide insights into the best mitigation strategies. Read below to learn more in detail.

    1. Cybercriminals Target locals and exploit accounts for Fraudulent Activities
    Two cases of cyber fraud were reported in Ludhiana, where scammers used victims’ PAN cards to open bank accounts and take loans. Shreyansh Jain discovered a Rs 3 lakh loan in his name, while Ajinderpal Kaur’s new account was frozen due to misuse. police have registered cases against the unidentified culprits.

    2. Cybercriminals Drain Rs 1,730 Crores in Just 4 Months
    Home Minister Vangalapudi Anita revealed that cyber crimes totaling Rs 1,730 crore occurred in India over four months, with a 24% nationwide increase. An app to address 16 types of cyber fraud was launched. A 39-year-old homemaker lost Rs 44 lakh in an online trading scam, highlighting rising cyber crime risks.

    OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: FCRF Launches ‘Cyber Safe Uttar Pradesh’ Initiative to Combat Rising Cyber Crime

    3. Police Dismantle Cyber Scam Network, Apprehend 8 Suspects
    Dehradun Police arrested eight individuals for running an illegal call center that scammed foreigners by posing as anti-hacking officials. The operation, led by SSP Ajai Singh, seized 81 laptops, 42 mobile phones, and other equipment. The suspects, from various states, targeted U.S. and Canadian citizens. The police team will receive a Rs 25,000 reward.

    4. Couple Loses Rs 3 Crores After Investing in ‘Stocks’
    Nabanita Mishra from Indirapuram lost over Rs 3 crore in a cyber fraud after being lured into a fake investment scheme via a Facebook ad. She and her husband made 22 transactions for supposed stock trading through a WhatsApp group. The fraud was discovered after they couldn’t access their funds. A case has been filed.

    5. Digital Sting: 3 Individuals Posing as CBI Officials Arrested
    Three individuals from Bihar were arrested in New Delhi for posing as CBI officials and scamming ₹2 lakh from an NDMC official’s spouse by threatening her with a “digital arrest.” The suspects, found with multiple phones, ATM cards, and SIM cards, coerced the victim over a six-hour call. police traced the funds to Canara Bank and SBI accounts, leading to their arrest.

    ALSO READ: FutureCrime Summit: Biggest Conference on Cyber Crimes Set to Return in February 2025

    INTERNATIONAL

    6. Critical OpenVPN Flaws Endanger Millions of Devices to RCE Attacks
    Microsoft researchers discovered medium-severity vulnerabilities in OpenVPN, exposing users to remote code execution (RCE) and local privilege escalation (LPE) risks. These flaws affect all OpenVPN versions before 2.6.10 and 2.5.10. Users are urged to update to these versions to prevent data breaches, system compromises, and unauthorized access.

    7. Cyberthieves Execute 5,100 Transactions Using Bank Cards of Charlotte Victims, Say Federal Authorities
    The FBI dismantled a decade-long cyber theft ring that involved 148,000 fraudulent transactions totaling $1.8 million using stolen credit and debit cards from victims in Charlotte and Mooresville. Ukrainian Viacheslav Basovych was arrested in Germany, extradited to Charlotte, and charged with wire fraud, access device fraud, and money laundering.

    ALSO READ: WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram: The New Hunting Grounds for Stock Market Scammers

    8. NHS Urgently Appeals for Blood Donations Following IT cyberattack, Hospitals Struggle to Match Patients
    The NHS urgently appeals for O blood-type donors following a ransomware attack on London’s major hospitals, including King’s College, Guy’s and St Thomas’. The attack, linked to Russian cybercriminals, disrupted blood transfusions, leading to surgery cancellations. NHS urges O-Positive and O-Negative donors to book appointments immediately.

    9. Imane Khelif Files Legal Action Over Cyber Harassment Following ‘Digital Lynch Mob’
    Olympic gold-winning boxer Imane Khelif has filed a legal case against cyberbullying after facing misogynistic, racist, and sexist online abuse. Despite failing a sex test last year, Khelif won the women’s 66 kg title in Paris and insists she is a woman. Her lawyer confirmed the complaint was filed with the Paris prosecutor’s office.

    ALSO READ: Hindenburg Strikes Again: SEBI Chief’s Alleged Link to Adani Scandal Exposed

    10. Time to Repeal the Cyber Security Act
    The Digital Security Act in Bangladesh, criticized by human rights groups and the U.S. for restricting free speech, has been widely abused, particularly against journalists. Critics argue it threatens freedom of expression by targeting media and social media content. There are calls for its repeal or significant reform to protect democratic rights.

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  • Caution! Phone Call Records on Sale; Police Officer Arrested

    BENGALURU: The Bengaluru police have apprehended a police constable and an alleged mastermind involved in the illegal sale of call detail records (CDRs). The arrested individuals are Munirathna, a constable with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) stationed in Kolar district, and Nageshwar Reddy, a resident of Andhra Pradesh.

    In May, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) had previously arrested seven individuals accused of unlawfully selling CDRs. These records were reportedly sought by clients, including criminals looking to track the movements of rivals, separated spouses, and estranged partners. Chandragupta, the Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime), stated that these arrests were a continuation of investigations into three cases filed in May. He noted that while the operations were based in Bengaluru, clients were located in various other states. The police reviewed contact numbers and discovered that members of the agencies were befriending law enforcement personnel to obtain CDRs.

    ALSO READ: FCRF Launches ‘Cyber Safe Uttar Pradesh’ Initiative to Combat Rising Cyber Crime

    According to a police officer, raids revealed that certain detective agencies were illegally gathering CDRs. “Legally, CDRs can only be acquired by law enforcement agencies when there is an ongoing case, along with a formal request outlining the reason for the CDR request. However, these agencies were managing to obtain CDRs unlawfully for their clients,” the officer explained.

    Previously, the police had arrested Purushottam (43) from Kengeri, Thippeswamy G.K. (48) from Marathahalli, Mahantagowda Patil (46) from Anjananagar, Revanth (25) from Vijayanagar, Gurupadaswamy (38) from Dasanapura, Rajashekar S. (32) from Vijinapura, and Prasanna Dattatreya Garuda (36) from Pune. These individuals were associated with Rajadhani Corporate Service in Govindaraja Nagar. Additionally, Sathish Kumar J. (39) from Kothanur Dinne, linked to Mahanagari Detective and Security Solution Pvt Ltd in Prashanthanagar, along with Srinivas V. (46) and Bharath K.B. (28) from J.C. Nagar, who were connected to Elegant Detective in Basaveshwara Nagar, were also arrested.

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