The Top Ten cyber crime news summaries on The420 are meticulously curated by Future Crime Researchers from the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) and powered by Algoritha Security Pvt. Ltd. These summaries feature the most critical cyber crime developments from around the world. Keep reading—and stay safe.
1. Software Engineer Arrested by CCB for Duping Cybercrime Victims Under Pretext of Legal Aid
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) arrested a software engineer for cheating cybercrime victims by pretending to offer legal help. He allegedly convinced victims he could get their money back but instead collected large “service charges” and vanished. Police say he exploited victims’ desperation and falsely presented himself as a legal consultant.
2. ED Raids 11 Locations in Delhi-NCR in Global Cyber Fraud Case Impersonating Microsoft, Amazon
The Enforcement Directorate raided 11 premises across Delhi-NCR in connection with a global cyber fraud racket. Fraudsters allegedly posed as Microsoft and Amazon representatives to defraud foreign nationals. Investigators uncovered evidence of money laundering, fake call centers, and international fund transfers linked to the elaborate tech support scam.
3. Bengaluru Techie Loses ₹1.4 Lakh After Clicking Telegram Link for Fake Escort Service
A tech professional in Bengaluru lost ₹1.4 lakh after clicking a Telegram link promising escort services. Fraudsters lured the victim into multiple payments under false pretexts such as registration, verification, and security. The case highlights growing online sextortion scams and the dangers of engaging with unsolicited links on social media.
FCRF Launches India’s Premier Certified Data Protection Officer Program Aligned with DPDP Act
4. Man Duped of ₹35 Lakh in Job Scam Promising Lucrative Overseas Placement
A man lost ₹35 lakh after falling victim to a job fraud scheme promising a high-paying overseas position. The scammers posed as agents and collected funds in phases for visas, processing, and other formalities. Authorities have launched an investigation into the fraudulent network targeting unemployed individuals seeking international employment.
5. Rajpipla Cybercrime Officer Accused of Extorting Victims by Freezing Bank Accounts Illegally
A police officer from Rajpipla’s cybercrime cell is under investigation for allegedly freezing bank accounts of fraud victims and demanding bribes to unfreeze them. The official reportedly misused legal powers for personal gain. A departmental inquiry has been launched, and higher authorities are examining financial records and victim statements.
INTERNATIONAL
6. U.S. Treasury Warns Cryptocurrency ATMs Are Facilitating Criminal Transactions
The U.S. Treasury has issued a stark warning that crypto ATMs are increasingly exploited for laundering money and funding illicit activities. Often lacking strong regulatory oversight, these machines have become tools for fraudsters and traffickers. Authorities are calling for stricter compliance frameworks to curb abuse in the cryptocurrency transaction ecosystem.
7. Legal Aid Agency Cyberattack Exposes 18 Years of Data, Confirms U.K. Ministry of Justice
The U.K. Ministry of Justice confirmed that a cyberattack on the Legal Aid Agency compromised 18 years’ worth of sensitive user data. Personal and legal records of clients, lawyers, and staff may have been accessed. The breach is under investigation, with experts citing it as a major national data security lapse.
8. Northamptonshire Family Scammed Out of Thousands in Fake ‘Indian Police’ Call Fraud
A family in Northamptonshire lost thousands of pounds after receiving a scam call from someone posing as Indian police. The caller used intimidation tactics and false legal threats to pressure the family into transferring money. Authorities are investigating the cross-border fraud and urging the public to beware of such impersonation scams.
FCRF Launches India’s Premier Certified Data Protection Officer Program Aligned with DPDP Act
9. Dubai Resident Loses Dh20,000 in Shocking Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Account Hack
A Dubai man lost Dh20,000 after cybercriminals hacked his Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) account. Fraudsters made unauthorized purchases using his financial credentials. The breach highlights growing vulnerabilities in fintech platforms and the urgent need for stronger digital authentication measures in the rapidly expanding BNPL sector across the Middle East.
10. ‘Bust-Out’ Auto Fraud Rings Cause Multi-Million Dollar Losses Across U.S. Dealerships
Organized crime groups are executing “bust-out” auto fraud schemes across the U.S., leading to millions in dealership losses. Fraudsters buy vehicles with no intention of repayment, often using stolen identities. Authorities are warning dealerships to enhance verification protocols and track suspicious financing behavior to stop the escalating fraud trend.