Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [29.07.2024]: 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. Pune Resident Scammed Out of Rs 1.27 Crore in Terrorist Funds Fraud
A 73-year-old Pune man lost Rs 1.27 crore to cyber fraudsters posing as police officers in a “drugs-in-parcel” scam. Manipulated into believing his account received terrorist funds, he made large transfers over three days. Realizing the scam, he reported it to the cybercrime police.
2. Doctor Defrauded of Rs 15 Lakh by Fake Police and Telecom Officials
A Chandigarh woman and an accomplice were arrested by Mumbai’s Cyber Crime Cell for duping a doctor of Rs 15 lakh. Posing as Telecom officials investigating money laundering, they coerced the doctor into transferring the money. Suspecting further demands, the doctor reported the scam, leading to their arrest.
3. Mumbai Cyber Cell Apprehends Two in Rs 15 Lakh Fraud Case
The Mumbai Cyber Cell arrested two Chandigarh residents for duping a doctor of Rs 15 lakh by impersonating telecom officials and making threats of legal action. The suspects, Kiran Sitaram and Vishal Montu, were tracked through their digital footprints and brought to Mumbai, where they remain in police custody
4. Gujarat Cyber Criminals Arrested for Forex Trading Scam by Pune Police
Chandan Nagar Police arrested three cyber criminals from Bhuj, Gujarat, for defrauding a victim of Rs 20 lakhs through a forex trading scam. The operation, led by Deputy Commissioner Vijaykumar Magar, revealed a surge in online frauds in Pune, with over 1,000 complaints and Rs 98 crore lost in six months.
ALSO READ: The Role of Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime Provisions in India’s New Criminal Laws
5. Gujarat Woman Loses Life Savings in IVR Fraud Scheme
A 65-year-old woman from Gandhinagar lost Rs 60 lakh to cyber fraudsters through an IVR scam. She followed automated instructions to press a keypad digit, enabling remote access to her bank account. The police warn against responding to unknown calls and pressing buttons on unsolicited IVR systems.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Exposé on Myanmar’s Cyber Scam Operations
In October 2021, La Awng was trafficked into a cyber-scamming operation in Myanmar’s Kokang region, run by Chinese criminal networks. Held in prison-like conditions, he was forced to defraud people globally through fake cryptocurrency schemes. The cyber-scam industry in Southeast Asia has surged, generating $64 billion annually by 2023
7. Pirelli Introduces Smart tires That Communicate with Vehicles
Pirelli introduced the Cyber tyre, capable of communicating with a car’s traction control, stability control, and ABS systems via Bluetooth sensors. Debuting on the Pagani Utopia, it also features on the McLaren Artura and Audi RS4. The tyre assesses age and wear, enhancing vehicle safety and performance.
Also read: Techie Arrested for Rs 20 Crore Fraud Using Her Own Firm’s Loan App
8. Increase in Cyberbullying Cases in Singapore, MDDI Reports
A Singapore survey revealed that 66% of respondents encountered harmful content on social media, up from 57% in 2023. Despite cyberbullying and sexual content being most common, reporting issues persist, with many feeling reporting is ineffective. The government introduced legislative measures to combat online harms and protect users, especially children.
9. Proposal for Social Media Licenses to Hold Platforms Accountable for Cyber Crimes
Malaysia will require social media platforms with over 8 million users to obtain a Class license starting January 2025 to combat rising cybercrimes. Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching highlighted a surge in sexual crimes and online fraud, with losses increasing from RM453 million in 2022 to RM1.2 billion in 2023.
10. A major cyberattack hits Russian Banks, Causing Service Disruptions
Ukrainian cyber operatives launched a massive attack on Russian banks starting July 23, severely disrupting ATM services and payment systems. The attack, which affected major banks and mobile providers, aimed to undermine Russia’s financial infrastructure amidst ongoing conflict. Ukrainian hackers also accessed sensitive bank databases, escalating the cyberwar between the nations.