Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [12.11.2024]: 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. 4.5 Lakh ‘Mule’ Accounts Frozen, Majorly in Public Sector Banks
The Centre has frozen around 4.5 lakh “mule” bank accounts linked to cybercrime money laundering, primarily in SBI, PNB, Canara, Kotak Mahindra, and Airtel Payments Bank. An I4C briefing to the PMO highlighted fraud tactics using cheques, ATMs, and digital channels, urging enhanced scrutiny and proactive police action.
2. International Cybercrime Ring Uncovered in Surat; 200 Frauds Exposed at Once
A three-month probe led Surat police to dismantle a major international cybercrime network, uncovering 200 cyber frauds across 15 states. The gang, tied to international entities in Dubai, China, and more, laundered Rs 111 crore through 623 bank accounts. Seized assets include 139 debit cards, 336 SIMs, and multiple devices.
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3. Woman in Karnataka Scammed of Rs 4 Lakh in Fake Police Call Cyber Fraud
A 23-year-old woman was scammed of Rs 4 lakh by fraudsters impersonating Mumbai police investigating a fake parcel scam. After being misled to take a loan and transfer funds, the woman was promised a refund that never arrived. Jayanagara police registered the case under IT and cheating-related sections.
4. Retired Scientist Defrauded of Rs 2.8 Crore in 25-Day Digital Lockdown
A retired scientist and his wife from Ranip, Gujarat lost Rs 2.82 crore in a 25-day “digital arrest” scam. Posing as Mumbai Crime Branch officials, cybercriminals coerced the couple into believing they were under investigation, extracting funds through impersonated calls from multiple agencies. The scientist later reported the crime to cyber authorities.
5. Rs 74.54 Lakh Online Investment Scam: 5 Women Duped in Mumbai, Case Filed
Five women in Kashimira, Mumbai were defrauded of over Rs 74.54 lakh through deceptive work-from-home investment schemes promoted on social media. Initially lured with profits, victims invested heavily, only to receive neither returns nor principal. Kashimira police registered the case and launched a money trail investigation under IT and BNS provisions.
INTERNATIONAL
6. U.S. Weighs Backing ‘Global Surveillance’ Treaty Opposed by All But Authoritarian Regimes
The U.S. is set to support a U.N. cybercrime treaty that critics warn could empower authoritarian regimes to surveil and prosecute citizens, stifle dissent, and infringe on human rights. Privacy advocates and tech companies argue the treaty’s vague terms lack safeguards against potential abuses in cross-border data sharing.
7. UAE Warns: Falling for Fake Job Scams Could Make Victims into Defendants
Abu Dhabi Police warned that falling for fraudulent job recruiters could turn victims into defendants. Cybercriminals, often through fake crypto investments and counterfeit websites, lure job-seekers, who unknowingly become accessories to theft. He urged vigilance, online verification, and prompt reporting of scams to police.
8. Alleged ‘Snowflake’ Attacker Arrested by Canadians – with Courtesy, Presumably
Alexander “Connor” Moucka, linked to a major data breach affecting 165 Snowflake clients, was arrested in Canada at the U.S.’s request. Moucka, accused of collaborating with threat actor John Binns, allegedly exploited vulnerabilities to steal vast data. Authorities warn against lax security, highlighting cybersecurity risks across enterprises.
9. FBI Warns of Rise in Emergency Data Request Scams by Cybercriminals
The FBI warns of a surge in fraudulent Emergency Data Requests (EDRs), where cybercriminals exploit compromised government emails to obtain personal data. Often costing as little as $100, these fake EDRs target U.S. businesses, prompting the FBI to advise closer collaboration with local offices to mitigate risk.
10. Cybercrime Squad Charges Man in $2 Million Scam Targeting NSW Government
NSW Police cybercrime squad arrested a 49-year-old man linked to a $2 million business email compromise fraud targeting a hospital. Following an investigation by Strike Force Millbon, detectives seized multiple electronic devices in a raid on the suspect’s Yagoona home, uncovering evidence of the alleged swindle.