scams – News Analysis India https://newsanalysisindia.com The news you need to know, explained Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Online Shopping During Diwali: Cybercriminals Exploit Festive Season https://newsanalysisindia.com/tech/online-shopping-during-diwali-cybercriminals-exploit-festive-season/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/online-shopping-during-diwali-cybercriminals-exploit-festive-season/ Online shopping is booming in India ahead of Diwali, but the risk of cybercrimes is also surging during the festive season. Cyber security companies report a nearly 40% increase in fraud cases, with 15% of these attacks being entirely behavior-based. Cybercriminals are now utilizing AI tools to create messages and links that appear highly personalized and trustworthy.

]]> INTERPOL’s Operation HAECHI Recovers Cyber Fraud Funds in 40 Countries, Including India https://newsanalysisindia.com/india/interpols-operation-haechi-recovers-cyber-fraud-funds-in-40-countries-including-india/ Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/interpols-operation-haechi-recovers-cyber-fraud-funds-in-40-countries-including-india/ INTERPOL has executed a major operation, recovering approximately $439 million linked to cyber fraud across 40 countries. This includes $342 million in government funds and $97 million in cash and virtual assets. The operation, conducted from April to August, saw law enforcement agencies block over 68,000 bank accounts and freeze around 400 crypto wallets. Furthermore, INTERPOL recovered $16 million from crypto wallets, suspected to be illicit funds generated through various cybercrimes.

Operation HAECHI VI targeted seven types of cyber fraud, including voice phishing and romance scams. The targeted fraudulent activities encompassed voice phishing, romance scams, online sextortion, investment fraud, money laundering linked to illegal online gambling, business email compromise, and e-commerce fraud. Significant actions were taken in several countries. The Philippines saw investigations related to POGO activities. Macau, China, witnessed raids against gangs involved in fraud on mobile and online payment platforms. Brazil conducted operations to prevent electronic banking fraud. Portugal dismantled a gang stealing from social security funds, leading to the arrest of 45 suspects and the recovery of €228,000. Thailand prevented the theft of $6.6 million through business email scams. Malaysia seized dozens of laptops and SIM cards from scam gangs. A Korea-Dubai link saw the recovery and return of 6.6 billion KRW (approximately $3.91 million) through the I-GRIP system. Director Theos Badege, of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, highlighted the operation as a prime example of global cooperation.

]]> Subscription Scams Target OTT Consumers with Deceptive Offers https://newsanalysisindia.com/tech/subscription-scams-target-ott-consumers-with-deceptive-offers/ Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/subscription-scams-target-ott-consumers-with-deceptive-offers/ Cybercriminals are employing new tactics to defraud individuals, now focusing on OTT (Over-The-Top) platform users. Fraudsters are enticing consumers with significantly discounted subscription rates, offering services that typically cost around Rs 1,500 for a mere Rs 500. Their method involves contacting potential victims via WhatsApp and presenting these attractive, low-cost subscription deals. Once individuals are lured in, their bank accounts are swiftly emptied. Investigations reveal that these scammers use APK files and remote access applications sent through links to execute their schemes. Authorities caution that even seemingly legitimate Google searches for OTT subscriptions can lead to risky situations, as scammers use advertisements to redirect users to WhatsApp conversations with fraudsters.

]]> Digital Frauds: The Biggest Threat in India and How to Protect Yourself https://newsanalysisindia.com/tech/digital-frauds-the-biggest-threat-in-india-and-how-to-protect-yourself/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/digital-frauds-the-biggest-threat-in-india-and-how-to-protect-yourself/ Incidents of fraud are rapidly increasing, with individuals falling victim to cyber fraud on a daily basis. There has been a significant rise in cases related to the Digital Arrest Scam in the past year to year and a half. Information presented at a Money9 webinar on cyber fraud revealed that retired individuals are the most frequent victims of these scams. Fraudsters often use fear or enticing offers to trap people. This article outlines several methods used by fraudsters to swindle people and empty their bank accounts.

The primary aim of fraudsters is to obtain your personal and banking information. Avoid sharing any personal details via calls, messages, or links from unknown sources.

**What is the Digital Arrest Scam?**
Digital arrest is a type of cyber fraud where scammers impersonate officials from the CBI, police, ED, or other government agencies to intimidate and threaten people. They convince victims that legal action may be taken against them if they do not comply. Fraudsters then extort money by virtually arresting individuals online.

* Initial contact
* Creating fear and anxiety
* Controlling your activity via video call
* Demand for money
* Disappearance after money transfer

**How to Protect Yourself:**
* Indian law does not have a provision for ‘digital arrest’; the police would arrive at your home with a warrant if they intend to arrest you.
* Do not panic.
* Do not share any information.
* Immediately end the call.
* Report the incident to 1930.

**How Fraudsters Operate:**
* **Phishing:** Fraudsters send fake emails and messages containing links. Clicking these links can lead you to fake websites or install malware or viruses on your device.
* **Lottery and Job Scams:** If an unknown person offers you a job or promises you a lottery win, be aware that you may be a victim of fraud. Act with caution and end the call immediately. These individuals often request money for registration fees or taxes and disappear once the payment is made.
* **Fake Customer Care Numbers:** Fraudsters know that people search for customer care numbers on Google. They use technology to place fake customer care numbers on the first page of Google search results. When you call these fake numbers, you fall into their trap.

**Important Precautions to Prevent Fraud:**
* Avoid clicking on unknown links.
* Never share OTPs, CVV, or ATM PINs with unknown individuals.
* Use strong passwords and two-step verification on your mobile and laptop.
* Use anti-virus software on your phone and other devices.

**Cyber Fraud Helpline Number:**
If you become a victim of fraud, you should immediately file a complaint on the Cyber Crime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in). Vigilance is the key to avoiding digital fraud.

]]> AI Technology: The Very AI We Trust Is the Root of the Biggest Threats! https://newsanalysisindia.com/tech/ai-technology-the-very-ai-we-trust-is-the-root-of-the-biggest-threats/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/ai-technology-the-very-ai-we-trust-is-the-root-of-the-biggest-threats/ Voice Cloning Scam Some AI tools excel at cloning a voice from a short video of a person speaking. Scammers can create copies of your loved ones’ voices and call you, demanding money. Such scams are often seen targeting the elderly because scammers portray that their grandchildren are in trouble to ensnare them.

Deepfake Video Scams

Deepfake videos are AI-generated videos featuring people who appear completely real, making them very believable (original). Especially when combined with cloned voices. Scammers use deepfake videos of celebrities; sometimes, the videos are directly posted on social media, leading people to websites where scammers collect personal information.

AI-Generated Websites

Scammers can use AI to create websites and then send you website links via email or post links on social media. Fake online stores may offer heavy discounts on popular products to lure people and may run limited-time sales to prompt immediate purchases. After this, scammers can steal your payment details and sell them or even empty your account. ]]> Disposable Domains: The New Threat to Online Shoppers https://newsanalysisindia.com/tech/disposable-domains-the-new-threat-to-online-shoppers/ Sat, 28 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/disposable-domains-the-new-threat-to-online-shoppers/ Online shopping has become an integral part of our lives. From clothes and electronics to groceries and medicine, everything is just a click away. However, with the rapid growth of online purchases, cyber fraud is also on the rise. Cybercriminals are now exploiting disposable domains, which are designed to deceive users and disappear after emptying their pockets. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ Cyber Security handle, @Cyberdost, has issued an alert to the public about this growing threat.

]]> AI Fueling Cybercrime: Indians Lost ₹23,000 Crore in a Year https://newsanalysisindia.com/tech/ai-fueling-cybercrime-indians-lost-%e2%82%b923000-crore-in-a-year/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/ai-fueling-cybercrime-indians-lost-%e2%82%b923000-crore-in-a-year/ Cyber fraud is escalating, with individuals constantly falling victim. Criminals are relentlessly targeting finances, employing innovative tactics. A recent report highlights the growing cybercrime crisis, emphasizing AI’s emergence as a key tool for fraudsters. In 2024, digital fraud caused losses of ₹22,812 crore (USD 2.78 billion), significantly driven by AI. This information comes from the ‘The State of AI-Powered Cyber Crime: Threat and Mitigation Report 2025,’ jointly released by GIREM (Global Initiative for Restructuring Environment and Management) and automotive tech firm Tekion.

AI’s Role in 8 Out of 10 Scams

The report reveals that cybercriminals are using AI for phishing emails, fake websites, and deepfakes. AI tools are employed in 80% of phishing emails, signifying AI’s involvement in eight out of every ten phishing scams. According to Tekion’s founder and CEO, this report is a warning, underscoring the financial impact of AI-driven cyber threats.

Cases Increased Tenfold

India recorded 1.91 million cybercrime complaints in 2024, a rise from 1.55 million in 2023 and a nearly tenfold increase since 2019. The report also highlights alarming statistics such as a threefold increase in financial fraud cases within a year. In the past year, Indians lost ₹1936 crore to digital arrest scams, and over the last four years, cybercriminals have defrauded companies and individuals of a total of ₹33,000 crore.

Cybercriminals are also using AI to create fake apps that mimic legitimate ones, employing these to introduce malware onto phones. Upon installation and execution, this malware steals personal information.

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