Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [03.02.2025]: 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. Coimbatore Man Recovers Rs 20.74 Lakh Lost in Cyber Fraud with Police Help
Coimbatore cybercrime police recovered Rs 20.74 lakh out of Rs 81 lakh lost by a 54-year-old man in a 2024 online investment scam. The victim filed a complaint, prompting an investigation into the unidentified fraudsters. Authorities are continuing efforts to trace the remaining amount and apprehend those involved.
2. Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police Nab Five in Naukri.com Job Scam
Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police arrested five for defrauding jobseekers through fake part-time jobs on Naukri.com, promising high returns. The gang used forged documents and pressured victims to pay more under a “Ladder” scheme. Police seized mobile phones, bank documents, and a cash counting machine. The victim lost Rs 1.93 lakh.
3. Udupi Cyber Police Arrest Accused in Rs 89 Lakh ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam
Udupi Cyber Economic and Narcotic Crime Police arrested a suspect from Dharwad in an Rs 89 lakh “digital arrest” scam. The victim, misled by fraudsters posing as officials, transferred funds for fake RBI verification. Police recovered Rs 7 lakh and continue investigating to identify other culprits behind the fraud.
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4. Pune Man Duped of Rs 25 Lakh in Work-from-Home Cyber Fraud
A Pune youth lost Rs 24.45 lakh in a work-from-home scam after cybercriminals lured him with fake online tasks and promised high returns. Initially paid to gain trust, he later made multiple deposits but received nothing. Kondhwa police are investigating, urging citizens to stay cautious of fraudulent job offers.
5. Doctor Falls Victim to Rs 1.8 Crore Cyber Scam
A 52-year-old doctor lost Rs 1.8 crore in an online stock investment scam. Lured by fraudsters through a messaging app, he was added to a fake investment group. Initially allowed small withdrawals, he later faced restrictions. Suspecting fraud, he filed an FIR, and police have recovered Rs 50 lakh so far.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Euro Cops Dismantle Two Major Cybercrime Forums, Arrest ‘Gilmore Girls’ Fans
European authorities dismantled cybercrime forums Cracked and Nulled, arresting two suspects, including Lucas Sohn, linked to Nulled’s operations. The platforms, with over 9 million users, facilitated cyber fraud. Separately, U.S. and Dutch authorities seized 39 domains tied to a Pakistan-based phishing network responsible for $3 million in BEC fraud.
7. U.S. and Dutch Authorities Shut Down 39 Domains Tied to BEC Fraud Network
U.S. and Dutch authorities dismantled 39 domains linked to Pakistan-based cybercrime group Saim Raza, also known as HeartSender, in Operation Heart Blocker. The network sold phishing kits and fraud tools, causing $3 million in BEC fraud. Dutch police provided a portal for users to check if their credentials were stolen.
8. Ransomware Gangs Thrive Despite Law Enforcement Crackdowns
Ransomware attacks hit a record 5,263 in 2024, rising 15% despite major law enforcement crackdowns. LockBit led early, but RansomHub surged after its takedown, recruiting ex-affiliates. With ransomware-as-a-service expanding, experts predict continued growth in 2025, warning businesses of evolving threats as cybercriminals shift tactics to evade authorities.
9. BeyondTrust Zero-Day Breach Exposes 17 SaaS Customers via API Key Hack
BeyondTrust confirmed a cybersecurity breach affecting 17 Remote Support SaaS customers due to a compromised API key. Exploiting a third-party zero-day flaw, hackers gained AWS access. The U.S. Treasury was impacted, with Silk Typhoon, a China-linked group, suspected. CISA added related vulnerabilities to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
10. WhatsApp Blocks Hacking Campaign Using Paragon Spyware Against Journalists
Meta disrupted a WhatsApp hacking campaign using Paragon spyware, targeting 90 journalists and civil society members. The Israeli spyware firm, acquired for $900 million, exploited a zero-click flaw. WhatsApp warned affected users, sent Paragon a cease-and-desist letter, and is considering legal action. Citizen Lab plans to release detailed findings soon.