Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [04.11.2024]: 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. Woman Scammed Out of Lakhs in Intense Day-Long ‘Digital Arrest’
In Hyderabad, a woman lost Rs 3.4 lakh in a “digital arrest” scam. Cybercriminals, posing as officials, threatened her with legal action over a fabricated drug case, pressuring her to transfer funds as “security deposits.” The Cyberabad police have registered a complaint and are investigating the fraud.
2. Digital Arrest Scams: ED Files Charge Sheet as I4C Issues New Warning
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a charge sheet against eight suspects involved in a major digital arrest scam, exposing Rs 159 crore in laundered funds. The accused used shell companies and mule accounts to disguise illegal proceeds, converting them into cryptocurrency. I4C has issued an advisory to help the public recognize such scams.
3. Hyderabad Retiree Loses Rs 37.90 Lakh to Cyber Fraud
A 74-year-old retired government employee from Hyderabad lost Rs 37.90 lakh of her pension benefits in a cyber fraud. Scammers, posing as police and CBI officials, accused her of money laundering and convinced her to transfer the funds for “investigation.” Realizing the fraud, she later reported it to the police.
4. Cybercrime Surge in Twin Cities: Fraudsters Steal Rs 10 Crore in October
In October, cyber fraudsters stole nearly Rs 10 crore in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, according to Odisha government data. With 476 complaints in Bhubaneswar and 304 in Cuttack, police have arrested 12 suspects. Authorities recovered around Rs 40.7 lakh in Bhubaneswar and Rs 90,000 in Cuttack for victims.
5. Thiruvananthapuram Man Defrauded of Rs 6 Crore in Trading App Scam Amid Rising Online Frauds in Kerala
Kerala’s cyber department reports a surge in online frauds, primarily targeting professionals aged 30-40, including IT experts and doctors. Fake trading apps have led to the highest losses, with 1,157 cases this year. Additionally, 1,002 job scams and 211 FedEx-related frauds involving impersonations have been reported.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Police Arrest 113 Foreigners, Including 17 Nigerians, in Cybercrime Crackdown
The Nigeria Police Force arrested 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals, for cybercrimes and hacking that threaten national security. The operation, led by AIG Benneth Igweh, involved raiding a building in Abuja. Police are analyzing recovered evidence, and the suspects will face charges after investigations conclude.
7. UN Unanimously Condemns Cybercrime as Global Threat
The UN unanimously approved Russia’s cybercrime proposal, allowing countries to request data on cyber offenses, despite opposition from privacy advocates. Separately, Rolls-Royce Submarines faced security concerns after outsourcing to Eastern European coders. Meanwhile, BlackSuit ransomware targets have increased, and the UK’s Sellafield seeks leniency for past security lapses.
8. Police Nab 5 Internet Fraudsters in Benue
Benue State Police arrested five suspects for cybercrimes involving impersonation and fraud. Following intelligence, officers seized phones linked to the crimes. The suspects, now facing prosecution, allegedly defrauded victims using stolen identities. Police Commissioner Steve Yabanet urged residents to stay vigilant and warned cybercriminals of strict consequences.
9. Snapchat Accounts for Half of Online Child Grooming Cases, UK Charity Reports
Online grooming crimes targeting children are at an all-time high, with Snapchat as the most common platform for offenders. Discover essential tips to keep your child safe online and learn what actions to take if they face grooming or blackmail, helping ensure a safer digital experience.
10. EMERALDWHALE Hackers Compromise 15,000+ Cloud Credentials, Store Data in S3 Bucket
Operation EMERALDWHALE has compromised over 15,000 cloud credentials by exploiting exposed Git and Laravel files. Attackers are leveraging compromised S3 buckets for data storage, heightening risks of phishing attacks and cloud account breaches, and underscoring vulnerabilities in improperly secured cloud environments.