Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [26.01.2025]: 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. Cyber Crime Ring Operating from Thailand and Cambodia Busted in Ambala, Three Arrested
Ambala police arrested three accused, including a network operator from Cambodia, for defrauding Rs 74 lakh through fake gold mining schemes via Telegram links. The accused, from UP, were found with illegal pistols, cash, and mobiles. Eight arrests have been made, and further action, including Interpol’s help, is underway.
2. UP Resident Nabbed for Cyber Fraud in Kerala’s Kochi
Kochi police arrested a 28y old, in Greater Noida for swindling Rs 10 lakh from a Kochi businessman via online fraud. He sent a fake Aadhaar update APK file to access OTPs and siphoned funds through multiple transactions. Investigations revealed his involvement in similar scams across states.
3. Hyderabad Cyber Police Recover Rs 21.9 Lakh in Five Cyber Fraud Cases
Hyderabad cybercrime police recovered Rs 21.9 lakh across multiple fraud cases. Victims included a private employee scammed in a fake job offer, a doctor tricked into fake stock investments, and a woman extorted in a FedEx scam. Partial refunds were issued after freezing accounts and court petitions. Investigations are ongoing.
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4. Mumbai NGO Scammed in Hotel Booking for Singer Usha Uthup
An NGO named ‘Adopt’ fell victim to a cyber fraud while booking rooms for singer Usha Uthup at Marine Plaza Hotel. The accountant unknowingly paid scammers using a fake contact number found online. Bandra Police are investigating the fraud and have urged the public to verify details before online transactions.
5. Doctor Duped of Over Rs 3.8 Crore in Cyber Fraud
An Indore doctor lost Rs 3.08 crore in a cyber scam involving fake stock market profits via an online platform, WEBULL. Lured by promises of high returns from a woman he befriended online, he transferred funds through 66 transactions. Indore crime branch arrested five accused and is investigating further.
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6. FIA Secures Custody of Four Men Accused of Lottery Scam Fraud
Four suspects, were remanded to FIA custody for a lottery scam involving spoofed calls and credit card theft. Operating from a Karachi call center, they defrauded victims in Pakistan and abroad, luring them with fake lottery prizes and stealing sensitive data.
7. AI Chatbot Founder and Lawyer Wife Accused in $60M Investor Fraud
Former GameOn CEO Alexander Beckman and his wife Valerie Lau face a 25-count indictment for defrauding investors of over $60 million. Accused of fabricating financial data, impersonating professionals, and misusing funds for personal expenses, the couple faces lengthy prison terms. GameOn, now ON Platform, paused operations amid financial turmoil.
8. Supply Chain Attack on Chrome Extensions Puts Millions at Risk
Sekoia warns of a supply chain attack on Chrome extension developers, compromising API keys and user data via phishing emails mimicking Chrome Web Store support. Affected extensions, including Reader Mode, exposed millions to risks. The attack, traced back to 2023, highlights vulnerabilities in extension security and phishing tactics.
9. UnitedHealth Group Data Breach Exposes 190 Million Americans
UnitedHealth Group confirmed a ransomware attack on subsidiary Change Healthcare, affecting 190 million individuals. Hackers accessed sensitive medical and personal data, exploiting weak security measures. The breach disrupted healthcare services nationwide, caused $872 million in losses, and prompted a $22 million ransom payment, raising concerns about healthcare cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
10. Over 100 Security Flaws Discovered in LTE and 5G Networks
Academics revealed 119 vulnerabilities in LTE and 5G implementations, potentially allowing attackers to disrupt city-wide cellular services or breach core networks. Exploited flaws include buffer overflows and memory errors, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data and targeted attacks. The study highlights urgent security risks in modern cellular infrastructure.