Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [07.10.2024]: 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. Delhi Police Dismantles Inter-State Cybercrime Syndicate, 8 Arrested
Delhi Police busted an inter-state cyber fraud racket, arresting eight individuals from Rajasthan and Gujarat for duping people through fake stock investments, job offers, and social media scams. The accused were linked to 72 complaints, and transactions worth Rs2.5 crore were traced to their bank accounts. Investigation continues.
2. Mumbai Cyber Helpline Recovers Rs114.36 Crore for Fraud Victims Over 9 Months
In the past nine months, Mumbai’s cyber helpline, in collaboration with banks and payment gateways, recovered Rs114.36 crore for cyber fraud victims. The helpline received 46,002 complaints between January and September 2024, with funds being returned after legal processes. Police urge victims to report immediately via the 1930 helpline.
3. Private Firm Employee Defrauded of Rs16 Lakh in Online Parcel Scam
A 27-year-old woman from Hinjewadi was defrauded of Rs16 lakh in a parcel scam. Posing as a courier executive, the fraudster claimed drugs were found in a parcel under her name. The woman was then tricked into sharing her bank details and taking out a loan, which was siphoned off.
4. Hyderabad Police Arrest 18 Cyber Fraudsters, Seize Rs6.94 Crore
Hyderabad police arrested 18 cyber fraudsters in a nationwide operation, seizing Rs6.94 crore linked to various cyber crimes. The suspects were involved in 319 cases, including investment, sextortion, and OTP fraud. Police confiscated cash, mobile phones, and bank documents while freezing Rs1.61 crore in suspect accounts.
ALSO READ: Join The Movement: Registration Open for ‘Cyber Safe Uttar Pradesh’ Event by FCRF on October 17
5. CBI, ED, Police Don’t Make Arrests via Video Calls: Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) issued an advisory warning against rising ‘digital arrest’ scams. Fraudsters impersonate officials via video calls, falsely claiming involvement in criminal activities like drug trafficking. The I4C clarified that agencies like CBI, police, and customs do not arrest people through video calls, urging vigilance.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Government Develops New National Cyber Security Strategy
Deputy Minister Dingumuzi Phuti announced Zimbabwe’s National Cyber Security Strategy at a cybersecurity conference in Harare, emphasizing the need for robust protection against rising cyber threats. He highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, training, and collaboration to safeguard the digital economy and promote cybersecurity awareness across all sectors.
7. Chinese Hackers Breach Key U.S. Telecom Companies: Report
Chinese hackers, identified as Salt Typhoon, targeted major U.S. telecom firms like AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen, seeking sensitive information, according to CNN. The Chinese Embassy denied the allegations, claiming the U.S. politicizes cybersecurity. Investigations involve U.S. officials and cybersecurity experts from Microsoft and Mandiant amid rising tensions between the two nations.
8. AI Revolutionizing Cybercrime in the Cryptocurrency Sector
At a symposium by the U.S. Department of Justice, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentrie highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to combat cybercrime, particularly in the crypto space. While AI enhances security, it also poses risks, as criminals exploit its capabilities for illicit activities.
9. Universal Music Group Reveals Data Breach Impacting Personal Information
Universal Music Group (UMG) reported a data breach on July 15, 2024, affecting 680 U.S. residents. Unauthorized access potentially exposed personal information, including names and Social Security numbers. UMG is offering affected individuals a 24-month complimentary membership to Experian IdentityWorks for credit monitoring and identity theft protection.
10. South Korea to Make Viewing or Owning Explicit Deepfakes a Crime
South Korean lawmakers passed a bill criminalizing the possession and viewing of sexually explicit deepfake content, imposing penalties of up to three years in prison and fines of up to 30 million won ($22,600). The law follows a surge in deepfake sex crime cases, primarily involving teenagers.