Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [20.12.2024]: 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. Colonel’s Stolen Phone Unveils Cybercrime Syndicate
The theft of Colonel Mishra’s iPhone exposed a cybercrime gang stealing phones, breaking security locks, and using stolen SIMs for e-wallet fraud. Police arrested two suspects and a minor in Jharkhand, recovering phones, SIM cards, and evidence of their nationwide operations targeting crowded areas.
2. Indians Trapped in Cybercrime by Chinese Firms in Laos, NIA Reports
The NIA revealed Chinese firms in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar lured Indians with fake IT job offers, forcing them into cyber fraud under threats and abuse. Social media influencer Bobby Kataria was charged with trafficking victims, who were held hostage and coerced into scams targeting global citizens.
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3. Mumbai Scam: Elderly Girgaon Man Loses Rs 20 Lakh to Fake CBI Arrest Hoax
An 84-year-old Girgaon resident lost Rs 20 lakh to scammers impersonating CBI officers. The fraudsters, claiming Aadhaar misuse in a Rs 5,000 crore transaction, tricked the victim into transferring money for inspection. The scam was reported after the victim consulted a relative and filed a complaint.
4. Gurugram Fake Call Center Raided, 18 Arrested
Gurugram police raided an illegal call centre duping US nationals with fake tech support. Eighteen people were arrested, including the operator, and equipment was seized. The centre, active since February 2024, used phishing websites and remote access tools to steal $200–$1,000 per victim.
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5. Surat POS Agent Arrested for Supplying SIMs to Cybercriminals in Rs 9 Lakh Fraud
A Surat-based POS agent was arrested for supplying 250 SIM cards to cybercriminals, aiding in swindling Rs 9 lakh from a Bhopal woman via fake investment schemes. Ten SIM cards were recovered. The case stemmed from a complaint by the victim, leading to the agent’s arrest and uncovering the fraud network.
INTERNATIONAL
6. LockBit Ransomware Group Hints at Comeback in February 2025
Despite setbacks from Operation Cronos, LockBit hints at a new LockBit 4.0 launch, aiming to regain credibility. With extradition proceedings against alleged members and law enforcement disruptions, the ransomware group remains resilient, signaling potential future threats.
7. Europol Details How Hackers Exploit Legitimate Businesses to Drive the Economy
Europol reveals 86% of EU’s top criminal networks exploit legal businesses for money laundering, economic manipulation, and shielding operations. Criminally infiltrated businesses span 80 countries, blending legitimate and illicit activities, threatening economic integrity globally.
8. Black Friday Mayhem: Gozi Malware Resurfaces
During Black Friday, Gozi banking Trojan exploited increased online activity, targeting North American banks with advanced web-inject attacks to steal credentials. Businesses and consumers are urged to adopt robust security measures to counter ongoing threats during holiday shopping seasons.
9. Beware of Phishing Emails Urging Quick Docusign Actions – Potential Azure Account Breach
Cybercriminals targeted 20,000 European users across industries, hijacking Microsoft Azure accounts to access sensitive data. Ukrainian and Russian-linked infrastructure was identified, though motives remain unclear. The campaign highlights growing threats to cloud environments.
10. Canadian Banks Step Up Efforts to Shield Customers from Fraud and Scams
Canadian banks invest heavily in cybersecurity, spending $120 billion over a decade to combat fraud and cybercrime. Collaborating with law enforcement and government, they ensure robust security measures, fraud prevention, and customer education to safeguard financial systems and personal data.
