Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [01.01.2025]: 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. Elderly Woman Duped of Rs 1.25 Crore in Digital Arrest Cyber Scam
A 68-year-old Goregaon woman lost Rs 1.25 crore to cyber fraudsters posing as RBI executives and officials from Hyderabad police, CBI, and others. They accused her of credit card fraud and coerced her into transferring the money over a month. A police case is registered, and the investigation is ongoing.
2. Cyber Criminals Target Assam’s Morigaon as New Hub
Morigaon, 77 km from Guwahati, is emerging as Assam’s cybercrime hub. Police arrested 226 cybercriminals in 18 months, recovering 7,718 SIM cards, 1,104 ATMs, and fake IDs. Crores were duped, but Rs 1 crore was refunded to victims. STF-led crackdowns revealed organized fraud from remote riverine areas. Investigations continue.
3. Odisha Cyber Crime Unit Nabs Two for Rs 1.6 Crore Fraud Against Scientist
Odisha Crime Branch’s Cyber Crime Unit arrested two for duping a senior scientist of Rs 1.6 crore by posing as Mumbai police officers. Investigations revealed funds transferred to accounts in Chennai and Kozhikode. Both accused face multiple fraud complaints nationwide. Legal proceedings are underway.
4. TGCSB Busts Cyber Fraud Ring, Arrests Seven Accused
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) arrested seven individuals linked to 189 cyber fraud cases in Telangana and 2,223 nationwide. Items seized include nine phones, a laptop, a car, and Rs 97,000. The accused collected mule bank accounts for fraudsters.
5. Noida Resident Loses Rs 40 Lakh to Cyber Scammers
A 34-year-old Noida man lost Rs 40 lakh to cyber fraudsters while seeking investors for a cryptocurrency website project. The fraudsters demanded fees and security payments, directing him to convert funds into cryptocurrency. The victim discovered the scam after the fraudulent websites deleted all transaction records. Police investigations are underway.
INTERNATIONAL
6. More telcos confirm Salt Typhoon breaches as White House weighs in
Chinese state-sponsored hackers breached nine US telecom firms, including AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies, accessing networks and geolocating individuals. The intrusions highlight gaps in cybersecurity defenses. The White House and FCC are pushing for mandatory cybersecurity rules for telecom carriers, with industry CEOs committing to the Enduring Security Framework.
7. Imposters scam Garrett residents
The Garrett County Sheriff’s Office warns residents of scams involving imposters posing as officials, contractors, or utility workers. Fraudsters demand payments for fake warrants, overcharge for unauthorized driveway work, or threaten power disconnection. Authorities urge vigilance, verifying identities, and reporting suspicious activities, emphasizing legitimate agencies never request payments via phone.
8. US Treasury: Chinese Hackers Stole Documents in ‘Major Incident’
Chinese state-sponsored hackers breached the US Treasury via third-party provider BeyondTrust, accessing unclassified documents using a stolen digital key. The breach, reported on December 8, highlights China’s use of trusted third-party services for cyberattacks. Treasury, CISA, and the FBI are investigating, while Beijing denies involvement, calling the claims baseless.
9. Cyber Attacks Hit Sri Lankan Police and Government Websites
Sri Lankan police and government institutions faced cyberattacks, including hacks on the Sri Lanka Police Department’s YouTube channel and Government Printing Department’s website. SLCERT is investigating and warns of vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approved investigative units in ministries to ensure accountability, address complaints, and improve public service operations.
10. China Rejects Allegations of US Treasury Cyber Targeting
Beijing dismissed claims of a China-linked cyber breach at the US Treasury as “groundless.” Hackers exploited a third-party service, accessing Treasury workstations and unclassified documents. Treasury attributed the attack to a Chinese state-sponsored APT group. The compromised service is offline, and investigations with law enforcement are ongoing to assess impact.