Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [16.11.2024]: 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. Three Arrested by Mangaluru Police in Cyber Crime Case Crackdown
Mangaluru Police arrested three suspects in two cybercrime cases under Kavoor Police Station. Nisar from Kerala allegedly posed as a CBI officer, extorting Rs 68 lakh, while Sahil K.P. and Nashath R. deceived investors of Rs 90 lakh in a stock scam. Led by Inspector Baindoor, the team emphasized public vigilance against online fraud.
2. Tablet Scam: 93 FIRs Filed, 11 Arrested as Bengal Police Investigate Inter-State Gangs
In West Bengal, 1,911 students from state-run schools fell victim to a cyber fraud targeting the ‘Taruner Swapno’ scheme, which provides Rs 10,000 for tablets. Police filed 93 FIRs and arrested 11 suspects linked to interstate gangs. Special Investigation Teams are probing potential system manipulation and internal collusion aiding the scam.
3. Retired Delhi Engineer Loses Rs 10 Crore in Cyber Fraud After 8-Hour Digital Hostage Ordeal
A 72-year-old retired engineer from Rohini, Delhi, lost over Rs 10 crore to cybercriminals after enduring an eight-hour digital extortion ordeal. Delhi Police’s Cyber Cell, aided by the IFSO wing, is investigating. Authorities froze Rs 60 lakh of the stolen amount, dispersed across several accounts, after the victim’s October complaint.
4. Hyderabad Man Loses Rs 7.82 Lakh in Job Fraud Scheme
A Hyderabad private employee lost Rs 7.82 lakh in an online job scam after responding to a message offering extra income. Cybercriminals lured him to transfer Rs 40,000, then drained his account via a fraudulent link. Hyderabad Police’s cybercrime unit has registered a case and initiated an investigation into the fraud.
5. Retired Man Duped of Rs 44 Lakh with False Money Laundering Allegations in Andheri
In Andheri, Mumbai a 70-year-old retired man was duped of Rs 44 lakh by cybercriminals using threats of arrest over fabricated charges, including money laundering and online harassment. Fraudsters sent fake government letters and pressured him to transfer funds. Mumbai Cyber Cell is investigating.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Cyberattack on US Telecoms Linked to Chinese Surveillance Efforts
The FBI and CISA revealed a major cyber espionage operation by Chinese-linked hackers targeting US telecommunications. Initially believed to focus on presidential campaigns, the breach exposed widespread surveillance efforts, with sensitive data accessed, including court-requested information. The Chinese Embassy dismissed the claims, as US agencies warned of growing foreign cyber threats.
7. Helix Bitcoin Laundering Operator Jailed for Three Years, Forfeits $400M
Larry Dean Harmon, operator of the Helix cryptocurrency mixer and Grams dark-web search engine, was sentenced to three years in prison for laundering 354,468 Bitcoins (~$311M). Pleading guilty in 2021, he forfeited 4,400 Bitcoins and assets. Harmon also faces $311M restitution and a $60M FinCEN fine for aiding cybercriminals.
8. Meridian Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Cyber Crimes
An individual, aged 45, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for hacking servers and stealing data from 132,000 individuals, including records from a Georgia medical clinic and Newnan Police Department. Purbeck also attempted to extort a Florida orthodontist. Ordered to pay $1.05 million, he faces three years of supervised release.
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9. Cybercriminals Exfiltrate Data of 171K AnnieMac Mortgage Customers
AnnieMac Home Mortgage disclosed a data breach impacting 171,000 customers, exposing names and Social Security numbers. The breach occurred between August 21-23, prompting an investigation and enhanced security measures. Affected customers were offered identity theft protection. The incident highlights ongoing cybersecurity risks in the financial sector, particularly for vulnerable borrowers.
10. RCMP Issues Warning on Online Scams Ahead of Black Friday, Cyber Monday
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaching, Alberta RCMP warns of rising online scams. In 2023, over 8,800 fraud cases were reported in Alberta, with many in November and December. RCMP advises shopping from trusted sites, avoiding public Wi-Fi, using strong passwords, and reporting suspected fraud to local authorities and CAFC.