Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [29.01.2025]: 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. Fake Cyber Crime Reporting Portal Under Probe; Case Registered
Cybercriminals are using new tactics to deceive people. The Central Division Cyber Crime police have registered a case against an unknown person for creating a fake National Cybercrime reporting portal. Based on a complaint by a 1930 helpline officer, an FIR was filed under sections 318(2) and 318(4) for fraud.
2. Jamtara Cyber Gang ‘DK Boss’ Busted for Rs 11 Crore Fraud Using ChatGPT
Jharkhand Police arrested six cybercriminals in Jamtara linked to Rs 11 crore fraud through 415 cyber complaints. Operating as ‘DK Boss,’ they used AI and ChatGPT to develop malicious APKs impersonating government schemes and banks. These APKs stole banking data, sold for Rs 20,000-25,000, and enabled unauthorized transactions.
3. Aspiring Model-Turned-Cyber Mule Handler Among 5 Arrested in Pimpri Chinchwad; Linked to 100+ Cases
A Bollywood aspirant from Odisha turned cyber mule handler was arrested by Pimpri Chinchwad cybercrime police. Linked to international criminals in Cambodia, he managed hundreds of mule accounts. Five associates from Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Maharashtra were also held. The investigation began after a Rs 7.6 lakh share trading fraud case.
4. Tirupati Police Crack Down on High-Profile Cyber Criminals Using ‘Digital Arrest’ Tactics
Tirupati police busted a cybercrime gang using the “digital arrest” scam, arresting seven in Visakhapatnam. They duped a 65-year-old woman of Rs 2.5 crore, posing as CBI officers. Police recovered Rs 95 lakh in cash and gold, froze Rs 36 lakh, and seized cybercrime equipment. The gang trained in Cambodia’s cyber fraud techniques.
5. Pune Senior Citizen Duped of Rs 4.37 Crore in Cyber Fraud After ‘Digital Arrest’ Threat
Pune cyber police are investigating a Rs 4.37 crore “digital arrest” fraud, where a 78-year-old woman was duped by scammers posing as CBI officers. Threatened with arrest over fake drug trafficking charges, she transferred funds over a month. A similar scam last year cost a Pune IT executive Rs 6.29 crore.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Security Experts More Confident in Tackling Ransomware Despite Frequent Attacks
A Ponemon Institute study reveals rising confidence among security pros in tackling ransomware, despite 88% facing attacks. Concerns over supply chain risks and data leaks have declined. AI-generated threats and phishing remain key risks. Recovery time has improved, but ransomware costs remain high, impacting security budgets and operational resilience.
7. Data Privacy Report: North Carolina Among Top States for Cybercrime Complaints
The FBI’s IC3 report ranks North Carolina among the top 15 states for cybercrime, with 12,282 complaints and $234 million in losses. Top threats include phishing, BEC scams, and identity theft. Key targets include healthcare, finance, and government sectors. Stronger cybersecurity measures are needed to combat rising cyber threats.
8. GhostGPT Enables Malware Creation and Phishing for Just $50
Hackers are exploiting GhostGPT, an uncensored chatbot designed for cybercrime, to generate malware and phishing content. Unlike ChatGPT, it lacks ethical safeguards. Abnormal Security warns it may use a jailbroken AI model, following similar tools like WormGPT and WolfGPT, signaling rising AI-driven threats in cyberattacks.
9. Ransomware Hits Again: ‘Baguette Bandits’ Strike with a Side of Mockery
Hellcat ransomware gang has targeted critical sectors using double-extortion tactics. It breached Schneider Electric, demanding $125,000 in baguettes, and leaked sensitive data from Jordan’s Education Ministry and Tanzania’s College of Business. The group also sold root access to institutions, exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities for infiltration and public humiliation tactics.
10. MGM Resorts Settles Class Action Lawsuit Over 2019, 2023 Cyber Attacks
MGM Resorts agreed to a $45 million settlement over data breaches in 2019 and 2023. Hackers accessed personal data of millions, including Social Security and passport numbers. Affected individuals can claim up to $15,000 for losses or opt for cash payments and one-year credit monitoring based on exposed data.