Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [17.02.2025]: 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. MBVV Police Recover Rs 3.54 Lakh Lost to Cyber Fraud
MBVV Police’s cyber cell recovered over Rs 3.54 lakh lost to online frauds by three victims. Scammers posed as bank representatives, sent malicious links, and lured victims with fake online tasks. Swift action led to fund reversals.
2. Chandigarh: Scammer Posing as Bank Official Dupes Man of Rs 9.29 Lakh
A Chandigarh resident lost Rs 9.29 lakh in a credit card scam after a fraudster posing as a Punjab National Bank official tricked him into revealing card details during a WhatsApp video call. The scammer later attempted more transactions, but Amazon blocked suspicious activity. A cyber complaint was filed immediately.
3. Manipur: Police Detect Fraudulent Threat Calls Targeting MLAs
Manipur Police detected fraudulent calls attempting to mislead state MLAs amid political unrest. Complaints were filed, and an FIR was registered in Imphal. Authorities warned of strict legal action against those involved. The calls surfaced after President’s Rule was imposed, with MLAs seeking to revive the state assembly.
4. Cuttack: Cyber Police Bust Exam Paper Leak Racket, 4 Arrested
Cuttack Cyber Police busted a school exam paper leak racket, arresting four YouTubers and a government teacher. The accused sold leaked Class 8-10 question papers online. The scam was exposed after a complaint by OSTA secretary. Police are investigating further to identify more suspects involved.
5. Police Investigate Cyber Fraud and ATM Loot Cases
Two cyber fraud incidents at SBI ATMs in Survey Park and Howrah exposed security lapses. Victims lost money after inserting cards but received no cash. A woman lost Rs 1.2 lakh, while another lost Rs 70,000. The ATM lacked security personnel, raising concerns over inadequate monitoring of banking safety systems.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Nation-State Hackers Intensify Attacks on Australian Organizations Amid Rising Grey-Zone Operations
A CyberCX report reveals that cyber espionage threats are growing, with nation-state hackers, particularly China’s APT40, infiltrating networks for over 400 days before detection. Critical infrastructure and defense sectors are prime targets. Overlaps between espionage and cybercrime complicate attribution, making state-sponsored threats harder to identify and mitigate.
7. US to Exchange Marc Fogel for Russian Cybercrime Kingpin Alexander Vinnik: Official
The U.S. is set to exchange cybercrime kingpin Alexander Vinnik for American teacher Marc Fogel, who was detained in Russia since 2021. Vinnik, linked to laundering billions via BTC-e, will forfeit $100 million. The swap signals intensified diplomatic talks amid ongoing U.S.-Russia tensions and prisoner exchange negotiations.
8. Gmail Users Warned of ‘Devastating’ Scam Stealing Data and Hacking Accounts
The FBI warned in May last year about a surge in AI-driven scams, where fraudsters stole funds and identities using deepfake voice and video messages. Special Agent Robert Tripp cautioned that AI-enabled fraud poses severe financial, reputational, and data security risks for individuals and businesses alike.
9. Google Pay’s Sharath Bulusu on ‘Digital Arrest’ and Combating Online Fraud
At the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2025, Google Pay’s Sharath Bulusu highlighted rising online fraud and the role of AI in countering scams. He stressed financial literacy, AI-powered security, and partnerships with regulators like I4C to combat fraud, noting stolen funds in India dissipate within 30 minutes.
10. Android’s New Feature Prevents Fraudsters from Sideloading Apps During Calls
Google’s new Android security feature blocks users from enabling app installations from unknown sources or granting accessibility access during calls, preventing scams. Part of Android 16 Beta 2, it combats telephone-oriented attack delivery (TOAD) scams. Google also expanded restricted settings and sideloading protections in high-risk markets to curb fraud.