Cyber Crime
Report: WhatsApp Leads as the Most Abused Platform in Cyber Scams, Followed by Telegram
NEW DELHI: The Union Home Ministry’s Annual Report for 2023-24 has highlighted the growing misuse of popular social media platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram by cybercriminals.
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has been at the forefront of combating these threats through strategic partnerships with tech giants and proactive measures to curb cyber-enabled crimes.
Social Media: A Favorite Hunting Ground for Cybercriminals
As per the report, WhatsApp remains the most exploited platform, with a staggering 43,797 complaints of cyber fraud recorded in the first three months of 2024.
Telegram followed with 22,680 complaints, while Instagram saw 19,800 reported cases. These platforms have become fertile ground for online scammers targeting vulnerable users.
The Rise of Organized Investment Scams
One of the most prevalent scams, termed the “Pig Butchering Scam” or “Investment Scam,” has become a global phenomenon.
The scam involves large-scale money laundering and even cyber slavery, exploiting unemployed youths, housewives, students, and financially struggling individuals. Victims are lured into fraudulent schemes, often losing significant sums, including borrowed money, daily.
The MHA report underscores the role of Google’s Advertisement platform, which provides an accessible channel for cross-border cybercriminals to target users through deceptive advertisements.
I4C’s Collaborative Efforts with Google and Facebook
In a bid to counter cyber-enabled crimes, I4C has partnered with Google and Facebook, leveraging these platforms’ capabilities to identify and mitigate cyber threats. The partnership has led to proactive actions, including:
- Flagging digital lending apps and suspicious signals.
- Tackling the abuse of Google Firebase domains, which cyber fraudsters use for free hosting.
- Blocking Android Banking Malware through Google Play Protect.
- Sharing phishing advertiser lists to prevent deceptive practices.
- Using Google Pay’s Citizen Financial Cyber Frauds Reporting and Management System (CFFRMS) to intercept and prevent fraud.
Similarly, on Facebook, sponsored ads promoting illegal digital lending apps are identified and shared with the platform for immediate action. Cybercriminals extensively use these ads to exploit unsuspecting users, further escalating the threat.
Proactive Intelligence Sharing and Capacity Building
The I4C’s efforts extend beyond partnerships, focusing on building a robust cybercrime response system. Intelligence sharing with tech companies like Google and Facebook has facilitated proactive action against cyber fraudsters. Moreover, the organization has been pivotal in enhancing the skills of law enforcement personnel through specialized training.
Training programs are conducted at premier institutes, including the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad and the National Cyber Forensic Lab in Delhi. These initiatives aim to equip law enforcement agencies, forensic examiners, prosecutors, and judges with expertise in cyber security, digital forensics, and cybercrime investigation.
Key Statistics on Platform Abuse (January-March 2024)
The report sheds light on the volume of platform abuse cases:
- WhatsApp: 15,355 cases in January, declining to 13,696 in February, and rising to 14,746 in March.
- Telegram: 8,462 cases in January, decreasing to 6,567 in February, and climbing to 7,651 in March.
- Instagram: 6,708 cases in January, with a gradual increase to 7,152 in March.
- Facebook: 6,525 cases in January, peaking at 7,190 in February, and slightly dropping to 7,051 in March.
- YouTube: A steady number of cases, with reports hovering above 1,100 each month.
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ annual report emphasizes the urgency of addressing cybercrime through a multifaceted approach. By collaborating with tech giants, strengthening intelligence sharing, and investing in capacity building, the I4C is making significant strides in safeguarding India’s digital ecosystem.
With cyber fraud on the rise, these efforts underscore the importance of collective action by government agencies, private platforms, and law enforcement to protect citizens in an increasingly digital world. The fight against cybercrime is ongoing, but the proactive measures taken by I4C are paving the way for a safer online environment.
