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    CYBER SCAMMERS

    Lost money to a UPI scam? The first 3 days could decide how much you can recover

    In the blink of an eye, UPI scams can wipe out your bank savings, but there's hope for victims. The Reserve Bank of India stands ready to safeguard you against unauthorized transactions. Discover essential actions to take the moment fraud strikes, understand how liability is assessed, and find out what steps to take if your bank turns down your claim.

    22-year-old man turns Green Gas meter update into Rs 32 lakh scam; Lucknow resident loses fortune after downloading WhatsApp APK

    Lucknow Cyber Crime Police have arrested a 22-year-old man from Dhanbad, Jharkhand, over an alleged fake Green Gas meter update app scam that reportedly caused a loss of Rs 32 lakh. Consumers were targeted through WhatsApp messages asking them to install a fraudulent APK file. Here is how the alleged fraud operated and what police recovered during the arrest.

    Kaspersky flags QR code payment scams as a key cyber risk for Indians travelling to Indonesia

    As more Indian tourists move to Indonesia, Kaspersky's cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm on rising online threats. They point out that travellers should be particularly careful about things like fake QR codes and phishing attacks, which are becoming more common. It's crucial for tourists to stay vigilant to protect themselves from these digital dangers.

    Man joins WhatsApp group, downloads trading app & loses Rs 1.29 crore; fraudsters demand another Rs 20 lakh to release his money

    A 70-year-old man from Bhiwandi, Thane, allegedly lost Rs 1.29 crore after cyber fraudsters lured him into investing through a fake online trading app promoted via a WhatsApp group. Police have registered a case against the accused, but no arrests have been made so far.

    AI-powered cyberattacks siphon ₹300 crore from small NBFCs in two months

    Recent cyberattacks have inflicted an estimated loss of ₹300 crore on Indian NBFC, with around 150 fraud cases reported. Focus has shifted towards identifying Chinese hacking platforms and AI toolkit involvement in these incidents. Exploiting operational weaknesses, these cybercriminals persistently launch their attacks, leading to urgent calls for NBFCs to bolster their cybersecurity frameworks to fend off further threats and safeguard their operations.

    'Earn 30% monthly': SBI warns how fraudsters can lure you with tempting offers and what you should do

    Fraudulent investment schemes lure investors with the illusion of high returns and minimal risk. The State Bank of India (SBI) warns that scammers often apply undue pressure for quick investments, employing unusual payment methods to do so. These deceitful schemes are commonly endorsed by unknown social media influencers, giving them a false sense of credibility.

    • Hackers can target your wealth adviser’s WhatsApp: How to protect your money

      Recent incidents highlight the increasing threat of compromised WhatsApp accounts among financial advisers in India. These attacks exploit trust, as fraudsters impersonate advisers through hacked accounts. Financial firms have implemented strict new security measures to mitigate future attacks and protect client information. Advisers urge their clients to adopt safer communication practices when handling sensitive financial information. Staying vigilant and verifying communications can prevent potential scams and financial losses.

      WhatsApp 'NO' reply costs lakhs: CA gets Rs 90,000 fake debit alert, replies 'NO' & loses Rs 1.70 lakh from bank accounts; no OTP or link involved

      A Chartered accountant allegedly lost Rs 1.70 lakh from his ICICI Bank and IndusInd Bank accounts after replying “No” to a WhatsApp message falsely claiming that Rs 90,000 had been debited. The unusual case is being investigated as a suspected new social-engineering fraud, as the victim reportedly did not click any link, share an OTP or install a remote-access app.

      How a fake Apple service centre in Gurgaon scammed elderly US citizens of up to Rs 20 lakh each

      A fraudulent Apple service centre was discovered in Palam Vihar, targeting elderly victims in the US. Operators sent alarming messages about supposed iPhone issues to individuals over 60 years old. After establishing trust, scammers demanded large sums of money, misrepresenting themselves as banks and using fake Federal Trade Commission notices. Authorities arrested 11 individuals and recovered various electronic devices during the raid.

      IIT-Delhi engineer, bank manager arrested by Mumbai Police for duping Rs 1.12 crore from a 68-year-old in a digital arrest scam

      An IIT Delhi graduate and a private bank operations manager are among six people arrested in connection with a Rs 1.12 crore digital arrest scam targeting a 68-year-old retired professional in Dahisar. Police traced the money through a gold trading firm's account and alleged that the accused helped arrange mule accounts, SIM cards, OTP-enabled handsets and fund withdrawals.

      They asked Claude to build missiles, anti-torpedo, and smallpox bioweapons: Anthropic uncovers AI's darkest misuse cases, including a live missile test

      Anthropic AI misuse report: Anthropic has revealed some of the most concerning ways users have attempted to misuse its AI model Claude, including requests related to missiles, anti-torpedo systems and biological weapons. The disclosures also reportedly include a case involving a live missile test, highlighting growing concerns over AI being used for potentially dangerous military and biological applications.

      India orders Google to take down hundreds of Firebase accounts over cyber fraud

      India has directed Google to remove hundreds of accounts on its Firebase platform after officials found scammers using the service to impersonate banks, distribute malware and steal financial information. The crackdown highlights growing concerns over cyber fraud as criminals exploit widely used digital tools to target India's expanding online payments ecosystem.

      India orders removal of Google Firebase accounts after spotting scam pattern

      Online scams have become one of India's most pressing law enforcement challenges, with Indians losing nearly $2.4 billion in alleged cyber fraud in 2025, according to government data. For years, the government has gone after scammers by ordering their websites removed.

      Gurgaon founder says scammer impersonated him to trick employee into buying vouchers

      A Gurgaon startup founder's employee was nearly defrauded by an email scammer impersonating him. The impersonator requested gift vouchers worth twenty-five thousand rupees from the unsuspecting employee. This scam attempt was thwarted when the employee verified the request with the actual founder. The incident highlights the growing sophistication of social engineering cyberattacks. Founders are now warned about impersonation tactics targeting their own teams.

      Psychology explains why scammers are so convincing and it may have more to do with language than technology

      Scammers use carefully engineered language to persuade and influence potential victims. They build trust with polite greetings and expressions of concern. Authority figures and generous offers are often fabricated to appear legitimate. Creating urgency discourages victims from verifying information or seeking advice. Public education is a strong defense against these manipulative cybercrimes.

      Canadian authorities warn of surge in fake ‘milk settlement’ text scam exploiting class-action credibility

      Canadian authorities are issuing a stern warning about a widespread text message scam. Fraudsters are impersonating legitimate class actions, specifically a fake milk settlement. These scams aim to trick people into revealing sensitive personal and financial details. Experts advise vigilance, urging individuals to avoid suspicious links and verify lawsuit information through official channels.

      Singapore cracks down hard — scammers will now be canned in addition to fines and prison time

      Singapore has implemented caning as a new punishment for convicted scammers, representing one of the strictest anti-cybercrime actions worldwide. Officials have intensified penalties amid an increase in cybercrime.Currently, besides fines and prison time, online fraudsters will also receive a good spanking. The punishment ranges from six to twenty-four strokes using rattan or bamboo rods, excluding women and men more than the age of 50.

      Cyber scams soar by 158% in 2024, Rs 452 cr stolen from accounts: Delhi Police

      The amount stolen by scammers has risen by 158% this year, with Delhi Police reporting Rs 452 crore lost to online fraud by June, compared to Rs 175 crore in 2023. Investigators revealed that criminals are using advanced techniques, such as dispersing stolen funds across multiple digital wallets and withdrawing money through various ATMs, making it harder to trace.

      Mumbai woman strips on video call, pays Rs 1.7 lakh to cybercrooks after digital arrest threat

      A Mumbai woman fell victim to cyber fraud, losing Rs 1.7 lakh after being coerced into nude video calls by scammers posing as Delhi Police officers. Similar incidents include a Navi Mumbai therapist losing Rs 32 lakh and an 80-year-old man losing Rs 22 lakh to fraudsters impersonating officials. These cases highlight the increasing threat of sophisticated cyber fraud.

      Viral Video: Scammer posing as Mumbai Police calls real cop by mistake, gets a shocking surprise on Zoom

      A scammer impersonating a Mumbai police officer accidentally targeted a real officer from the Thrissur cyber cell. The scammer alleged the officer's Aadhaar number was linked to dark net activities. The quick-thinking officer played along, gathering evidence and even engaging the scammer in a Zoom call.

      Digital arrests: ED files charge sheet, I4C issues fresh advisory

      Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warning against 'digital' arrests prompted the ED to file charges against accused involved in cyber scams worth Rs 159 crore. The scams involve fake IPOs, fraudulent apps, and use of social media, with victims manipulated into transferring funds.

      Software professional's Rs 20,000 redesign offer for fake HDFC Bank site baffles scammer

      A Gurugram-based software engineer amusingly engaged with a scammer posing as an HDFC Bank representative. He offered to redesign the fraudulent website for Rs 20,000 instead. The interaction, which the engineer shared on X (formerly Twitter), quickly went viral, attracting nearly 24,000 views and eliciting a range of reactions from netizens.

      Scam Exposed: Bengaluru man's viral chat reveals fraudulent techniques, Paytm's Vijay Shekhar Sharma reacts

      A Bengaluru resident, Chetty Arun, engaged in a revealing chat with an online scammer, exposing the scammer's deceptive techniques. Arun's conversation not only shed light on the methods used by scammers but also garnered attention from Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma. The interaction highlighted the importance of cyber security awareness and vigilance in combating online fraud.

      Ram ke naam: Ram mandir consecration ‘prasad’ becomes new bait of online fraud

      Ram Mandir: Cyber scammers are capitalising on the high fervour surrounding the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, using it as a ploy to deceive unsuspecting individuals. If you receive a message offering 'prasad' from the sacred event and it includes a link for payment, refrain from clicking. Scammers send messages to random numbers, assuring the delivery of 'prasad' from Ayodhya. The fraudsters obtain access to linked bank accounts by prompting users to input their details. Some deceitful groups are enticing people with offers like phone recharge, using a similar modus operandi.

      AI.con: a new voice for Jamtara-type scammers

      Voice clones or deepfakes have emerged as the latest tool for cyber scammers, they said, as artificial intelligence (AI)-related scams are being increasingly reported from different parts of the country.

      Beware of These Fake Ticketing App: IRCTC issues warning to passengers

      Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has warned passengers not to download a fraudulent version of its Rail Connect app. Scammers are using phishing links to direct users to an unofficial version of the app. The company is advising customers to download the official app from either Google Play Store or Apple App Store and to report any suspicious activity.

      WhatsApp scam: How scamsters gain access and hack your Whatsapp account. What you should do

      The Kolkata Police have issued a warning to WhatsApp users about a scam starting with Facebook impersonation, which leads to victims' Facebook profiles being hacked, and which the scammers then leverage to dupe contacts into joining "yoga classes", through which the fraudsters ultimately get six-digit OTP codes which are actually verification codes for WhatsApp.

      Haryana Police unearth Rs 100-crore pan-India cyber fraud, breaks network of scammers in Nuh

      Haryana police found that cyber-fraudsters had carried out scams worth INR 100 crore across India. Around 28,000 cases of cyber frauds, located in 35 Indian states and union territories, were linked to a recent cybercrime bust in Nuh district. During coordinated raids undertaken on 27-28 April, 102 teams of 5,000 policemen detained 125 suspected hacker.

      No kingpins, just a smartphone and SIM card: How cybercriminals in Mewat scam mobile owners

      Delhi Police are also now keeping an eye on the young scammers operating from the Mewat region after several cases of scams revealed that the cyber criminals were operating from the region.

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