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. Telangana Police Set New Benchmark in Cybercrime Detection
The Telangana Police has set a benchmark in cybercrime detection and victim assistance. In 2024, they facilitated the recovery of Rs 183 crore by swiftly registering cybercrime cases and coordinating with banks and agencies. Their proactive approach has helped victims of online frauds, phishing, and identity theft reclaim their lost money.
2. MNC’s India Arm Duped of Rs 3.52 Crore in Noida Cyber Fraud
A US-based firm’s Indian branch in Noida was duped of Rs 3.52 crore by a cybercriminal impersonating a company director via WhatsApp. The fraudster tricked another director into transferring funds. Police have registered a case and frozen Rs 52 lakh, with efforts underway to recover more and identify the culprit.
3. Odisha Crime Branch Busts Inter-State Cyber Fraud Gang; 7 Arrested
Odisha Crime Branch busted an inter-state cyber fraud gang that cheated a man of Rs 1.4 crore through fake investment schemes. Seven accused from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were arrested. Officials seized evidence and recovered Rs 4 lakh, with Rs 15 lakh frozen in bank accounts. The accused were brought on transit remand.
ALSO READ: Now Open: Pan-India Registration for Fraud Investigators!
4. Panchkula Woman Defrauded of Rs 5.69 Lakh in Cyber Scam
A 27-year-old woman from Panchkula lost Rs 5.69 lakh in an online scam after being lured with promises of money for liking Instagram videos. Tricked into transferring funds through tasks on WhatsApp and Telegram, she realised the fraud when asked to deposit more. A complaint was filed, and investigation is ongoing.
5. Cyber Police Recover Rs 90 Lakh After Phishing Attack on Travel Agency
Maharashtra Cyber recovered Rs 90 lakh lost in a whale phishing scam targeting a Bhiwandi travel agency. Cybercriminals impersonated the owner via WhatsApp, tricking the accountant into transferring funds. Swift action by Maharashtra Cyber froze the transaction. Under its Cyber Security Project, five fraud cases worth Rs 1.475 crore were resolved in 48 hours.
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6. New ‘Morphing Meerkat’ Phishing Kit Uses DNS Tricks to Impersonate Over 100 Brands
Infoblox has uncovered a phishing-as-a-service operation, Morphing Meerkat, exploiting DNS vulnerabilities to spoof 100+ brands. Using MX records, open redirects, and dynamic phishing pages, it targets victims with personalized attacks. The platform evades detection through cloaking and obfuscation, prompting urgent calls for stronger DNS security and restricted DoH access.
7. Fake ‘Snow White’ Torrent Distributes Malware to Users’ Devices
Scammers are exploiting Disney’s flop Snow White by offering fake torrents that infect devices with malware. A blog post linked to a malicious file disguised as a movie codec, which disables security tools, installs malware, and connects to the Dark Web. Veriti researchers warn users of data theft and ransomware risks.
8. Cardiff Children’s Services Confirms Data Leak Two Months After Cyber Risk Alert
Cardiff City Council confirmed a data breach in its children’s services department, with limited details on the nature or extent of the incident. Director Deborah Driffield cited cybersecurity as a top risk, linked to third-party interactions. The council is working with Welsh authorities to strengthen security and mitigate future threats.
9. China’s ‘FamousSparrow’ Hacker Group Resurfaces, Targets US Organization After Hiatus
China-linked hacking group FamousSparrow has resurfaced, breaching a US trade group and Mexican research institute. ESET researchers uncovered two new versions of their SparrowDoor backdoor, showing advanced capabilities. The group also used ShadowPad malware for the first time, suggesting evolving tactics and possible links to other Chinese cyber-espionage operations.
10. Hackers Claim Breach of US Cable Company, Share Bizarre Music Video as Proof
Cybercrime group Arkana claims to have stolen data from 403,000 customers of U.S. cable provider WideOpenWest (WOW!), including passwords, credit card details, and login histories. Arkana released a bizarre music video to demand ransom. Researchers say the breach stemmed from info-stealer malware on an employee’s device in September 2024.
