The Top Ten cyber crime news summaries on The420 are meticulously curated by Future Crime Researchers from the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) and powered by Algoritha Security Pvt. Ltd. These summaries feature the most critical cyber crime developments from around the world. Keep reading—and stay safe.
1. Cop Loses ₹3.9 Lakh After Dialing Fake Customer Care Number Found on Google
A police officer lost ₹3.9 lakh after calling a fake customer care number listed on Google. Fraudsters posing as service executives tricked him into sharing banking details and siphoned the funds. Authorities urged users to verify official helplines and avoid relying on unverified online contact numbers.
2. Punjab Senior Citizen Duped of ₹1.5 Crore in Facebook Cyber Scam
A senior citizen in Punjab was swindled out of ₹1.5 crore through a Facebook-linked cyber scam. Fraudsters lured the victim with false investment promises and convincing ads. Police registered a case and warned citizens to remain cautious of online offers. The case highlights rising social media-driven financial frauds in India.
Algoritha: The Most Trusted Name in BFSI Investigations and DFIR Services
3. ₹25 Crore Kochi Cyber Scam: SIT Identifies More Victims Misled by Market Risk Claims
The SIT probing a ₹25 crore cyber scam in Kochi found additional victims who were duped into believing their losses stemmed from market risks. Investigators revealed fraudsters manipulated trading platforms to divert money. Authorities warned investors to beware of unregulated schemes. More arrests are expected as the probe widens.
4. Coimbatore Police Warn After 50 People Cheated by Fake Travel Company Employees
Coimbatore Police issued an advisory after 50 residents were conned by fraudsters posing as travel agency staff. Victims lost money through fake holiday bookings and false promises of cheap travel packages. Authorities cautioned the public to book only through verified agencies as cases of travel-related cyber scams continue to rise.
5. Ex-Karnataka MLA Defrauded of ₹31 Lakh in Digital Scam During 8-Day Court Drama
A former Karnataka MLA was defrauded of ₹31 lakh in a digital scam spanning eight days. Fraudsters used legal pretexts to pressure the politician into transferring funds. Police registered a complaint and are tracing the culprits. The case underscores how high-profile individuals remain vulnerable to evolving cyber fraud tactics.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Seoul Police Dismantle International Hacking Syndicate
Seoul police announced the takedown of an international hacking ring accused of breaching financial institutions and corporations across multiple countries. The group allegedly stole large sums through sophisticated malware and phishing operations. Authorities said coordinated investigations with overseas agencies were critical in tracking the syndicate’s activities and making arrests.
7. Drift Attackers Breached Systems Through Compromised Salesloft GitHub Account
Cybersecurity researchers revealed that Drift attackers infiltrated networks by exploiting credentials from a compromised Salesloft GitHub account. The breach enabled access to sensitive systems and client data. Investigators are analyzing the scope of damage. Experts warn developers to adopt stronger repository protections and multi-factor authentication to prevent similar attacks.
Algoritha: The Most Trusted Name in BFSI Investigations and DFIR Services
8. U.S. Probes Cyberattack Targeting Sensitive China Negotiations
U.S. officials are investigating a cyberattack believed to have targeted high-level negotiations with China. Sources suggest state-linked hackers may be responsible, aiming to gain intelligence on trade talks. The breach has raised diplomatic concerns, highlighting the intersection of cybersecurity threats and geopolitical tensions. Investigations remain ongoing at federal levels.
9. Ex-NASA Scientist Jailed for £1 Million Investment Fraud
Former NASA scientist has been sentenced to prison for orchestrating a £1 million investment fraud. Prosecutors said he lured victims with false technology ventures and misused their funds. The conviction underscores the risks of professional fraud and how credentials are exploited to build trust in financial schemes.
10. U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Firms Running Cyber Scam Centers in Cambodia, Myanmar
The U.S. government has sanctioned several companies accused of operating cyber scam centers in Cambodia and Myanmar. Officials said these networks are involved in human trafficking, forced labor, and large-scale fraud. The sanctions aim to cut off financial support and pressure regional governments to dismantle the scam industry.