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. Over 6,000 Cyber Criminals Nabbed Using ‘Pratibimb’ Module: Government
The Union Home Ministry’s ‘Pratibimb’ module, launched by I4C, has led to 6,046 arrests, 17,185 linkages, and 36,296 cyber investigation assistance requests, the government informed Lok Sabha. The ‘Samanvaya’ platform aids cybercrime data sharing, while the National Cyber Forensic Laboratory supports state law enforcement with forensic investigations.
2. Woman Duped of Rs 1 Crore in Cyber Fraud
A 42-year-old senior manager from Meerpet lost Rs 1.07 crore in a cyber fraud scheme. Scammers posing as investment experts lured her through WhatsApp and a fake trading app, promising high returns. After multiple deposits, her account was blocked. Police are investigating, tracing transactions and call records linked to the fraud.
3. Cyber Fraudsters Using Old Phones to Scam Victims Arrested
Police arrested five members of an inter-state cyber fraud gang in Adilabad, seizing 2,125 old phones, 600 batteries, and 107 SIM cards. The Bihar-based gang used old devices for scams, including fake job offers and lottery frauds. The mastermind, Tabarak, remains absconding. Police are intensifying efforts to nab him.
Exclusive Fraud Risk Management Bootcamp for BFSI Professionals in Lucknow on March 24 – Register Now!
4. Hyderabad: 71-Year-Old ‘Digital Arrest’ Victim Recovers Rs 36.5 Lakh from Rs 43 Lakh Scam
A 71-year-old retired Hyderabad government employee, duped of Rs 43 lakh in a FedEx courier scam, recovered Rs 36.5 lakh with Cyber Crime Unit’s help. Fraudsters posed as officials and tricked him into transferring money. Police froze transactions, secured a court refund, and warned the public against similar cyber scams.
5. Foreign Job Scam: 540 Indians Rescued from Cyber Fraud Racket in Thailand
The Indian government rescued 540 nationals trapped in cyber fraud schemes abroad. Lured by fake job offers, victims were forced into cybercrime in Myanmar-Thailand border scam centers. An IAF flight brought 283 home, with more arriving soon. Authorities are investigating networks behind the trafficking and warning against fraudulent job offers.
INTERNATIONAL
6. National Cyber Security Centre Launches Striking Campaign Against Cyber Fraud
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) launched the ‘Tough Protection’ campaign under Stop! Think Fraud to promote Two-Step Verification (2SV) for online security. Using humor and striking visuals, the initiative highlights 2SV’s role in preventing cyber fraud. The campaign spans digital, social, radio, and influencer platforms nationwide.
7. Dutch Police Disrupt 50% of Ransomware Operations, Reports Embedded PhD Student
Dutch police disrupt nearly 50% of ransomware operations, according to University of Twente research. Targeted interventions, including arrests, sanctions, and freezing assets, reduce cybercrime profitability. Small businesses remain vulnerable, often lacking resources to report attacks. Cyber insurance increases ransom payments, while evolving ransomware tactics focus on data theft over encryption.
8. FTC’s $25.5M Scam Refund Sees Victims Receiving Just $34 Each
The FTC is refunding over $25.5 million to victims of a tech support scam run by Cyprus-based firms Restoro and Reimage. Scammers used fake virus warnings to deceive consumers. Refunds, averaging $34 per person, follow the FTC’s broader efforts, recovering $337 million for fraud victims in 2024.
Empanelment for Speakers, Trainers, and Cyber Security Experts Opens at Future Crime Research Foundation
9. Ex-FBI Agent Faces New Cybercrime Challenges as Corporate Security Executive
Former FBI agent Jason Manar transitioned from investigating cybercrime to becoming Kaseya’s first CISO after the 2021 REvil ransomware attack crippled 1,500 businesses. Leading the FBI’s response, he secured a decryptor key. Now, he builds cybersecurity culture at Kaseya, emphasizing risk awareness and proactive security measures.
10. Desert Dexter Attack Spreads Custom AsyncRAT Variant in Widespread Campaign
New threat actor Desert Dexter is using Facebook and Telegram to spread a custom AsyncRAT trojan across the Middle East and North Africa. Targeting industries like oil and IT, attackers lure victims via malicious ads, deploying malware for keylogging, data theft, and cryptocurrency wallet searches, compromising nearly 900 users.