Cyber News Archives - Page 5 of 11

Police in Tamil Nadu issued a warning about the possible dangers of creating Ghibli art online

The Tamil Nadu Police Cyber Crime Wing has warned against using Ghibli AI Art generators, citing risks of data theft, identity fraud, and malware. Users uploading selfies to unofficial sites may unknowingly expose personal information to scams and cybercrimes. People have been alerted by the Tamil Nadu police to the possible dangers of creating “Ghibli AI Art” by sharing pictures or selfies. According to a statement from the State Police’s Cyber Crime Wing, the public’s use of Ghibli AI Art has alarmingly increased in recent days. The Ghibli AI Art generators created anime-like representations from user-uploaded images or selfies based on the user’s facial features. Users frequently overlook or undervalue the risks associated with this, though. The AI system would examine and record the surroundings, faces, and facial expressions. Without the user’s express consent, these uploads are utilized to train the AI. As stated in the announcement, “continuous uploading [of photos or selfies] will increase the system’s knowledge base.” Concerns were raised about the users’ inability to quickly remove the data they had submitted. There was no sure-fire method to ask for deletion in the case of image uploads. According to the police, users who distribute and use Ghibli’s artwork on internet platforms without permission, especially if they get it through dubious or unofficial means, run the possibility of falling victim to cybercrimes. Photographs uploaded on any dubious link could result in issues like data leaks or data being sold to unidentified advertising companies. A lot of websites that provided Ghibli artworks for free downloads were fronts for scams. Data loss and identity theft may result from users downloading content from these sources and unintentionally infecting their devices with malware, viruses, or ransomware. Popular Ghibli characters and artwork can be used by scammers as bait in phishing con games. Fake giveaways, competitions, or links to free Ghibli art downloads are frequently a part of these fraudulent efforts. If you click on these links, you could lose money or have your bank information and personal information stolen, the police said.

Aadhaar Seva Kendra staff with access to data of thousands of visitors on cybercrime net

Two men from Haryana, including a former Aadhaar Seva Kendra staffer, were arrested by CID for forging Aadhaar and PAN cards to create fake firms and commit a ₹43 lakh Bitcoin scam. The accused misused the Aadhaar data of thousands of visitors, prompting a cybersecurity alert. CID investigators revealed that one of the two individuals detained from Haryana about a cyber scam purportedly led by bank management had previously worked at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. The database of thousands of visitors to the centre was available to him. Officers from the state CID’s cyber police investigated a complaint from a resident of Chandernagore and discovered that several fake Aadhaar cards were used to register shell firms and related bank accounts. Himanshu Solanki, 32, and Praveen Kumar, 29, of Faridabad, Haryana, were detained by the state CID on 06 April 2025 suspicion of fabricating Aadhaar Seva Kendra and PAN cards as well as fictitious businesses using forged documents. Praveen Kumar altered his name to create several Aadhaar cards. He is identified as Paresh Kumar in one, Praveen Kumar in another, and Pratap Kumar in the third. Despite having different identities, they all share the same Aadhaar number, an officer stated. CID detectives believe that the gang, which has been falsifying the information of visitors to Aadhaar Seva Kendra, has other members. “It is best to mask your Aadhaar card so that the number will not be visible to anyone else, even if you use a photocopy,” a CID officer advised. To send an alert to the holder’s cell phone if someone attempts to commit any fraudulent conduct with their Aadhaar number, the police also suggested tying the Aadhaar to that number. According to CID officers, the accused defrauded the complainant of ₹43 lakh by enticing him to make a Bitcoin investment. On social media, he had seen the investment scheme’s marketing. A branch manager of a nationalized bank and his wife, who was stationed in Murshidabad, received the proceeds of the crime, the police discovered later in the investigation. The manager of the branch has already been taken into custody. He is being held by the police.

Fake Facebook Account of Joint Commissioner Used in Online Scam

Cybercriminals impersonated Delhi’s Anti-Corruption Joint Commissioner Madhur Varma on Facebook to scam people with fake sales offers. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s YouTube channel was hacked and filled with cryptocurrency content, raising concerns over government cybersecurity. The Joint Commissioner of Delhi’s Anti-Corruption Branch’s Facebook profile was once again made by cybercriminals in a startling instance of online impersonation. Details reveal that fraudsters utilized the fictitious Madhur Varma persona to deceive individuals into purchasing electronics and furnishings at “cheap rates.” The scammers allegedly messaged Varma’s contacts pretending to be him, offering home items for sale, and claiming that a “CRPF friend” was being moved and needed to sell off his belongings urgently. The messages were designed to trick consumers by seeming believable and welcoming. The Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) section will receive a formal complaint from Joint Commissioner Varma on Tuesday as a result of this. Additionally, he has used Facebook social media to warn the public of frauds that are being run under his name. The response of Joint Commissioner Madhur Varma Varma has also urged people to remain alert and report any suspicious activities right away. He has advised people to double-check any strange correspondence purporting to be from him, particularly when it involves money or purchases. “This has happened before. Three phoney profiles of the senior officer have already been made by Facebook scammers. Although two of them were removed earlier, sources claim that this is the third attempt to abuse his identity. The Supreme Court’s YouTube account was compromised. Notably, the Supreme Court’s official YouTube account was also compromised last year; as a result, it currently displays the moniker “Ripple” rather than “Supreme Court of India.” Videos about cryptocurrencies have taken the place of the nation’s highest judicial authority’s customary legal content in a concerning cyberattack. Work is being done to restore the channel and its original material after the theft sparked worries about the internet security of government digital assets. To find the people responsible for this occurrence, officials are currently looking into the breach.

Financial frauds top Mizoram cybercrimes, over half of total cases filed

Financial frauds is the most common cybercrime in Mizoram, accounting for over 56% of the 321 cases reported since 2020. Authorities have recovered ₹1.42 crore, with 113 arrests and 40 convictions made in cybercrime cases during this period. According to official data, financial fraud accounted for 56.38 per cent of the 321 cases that were filed between January 2020 and March 11 of this year, making it the most prevalent cybercrime in Mizoram. According to data from the state cybercrime police station, 181 occurrences of financial crimes were reported during that time, mostly online banking fraud and impersonation deception. Identity theft (32 incidents), child pornography (16), harassment on social media (nine), copyright infringement (seven), false rumours (five), and hacking (one) are among the other offences. According to the archives, 2022 saw the greatest number of financial crimes, with 107 incidents documented. Approximately Rs 1.42 crore was recovered in financial frauds cases between 2021 and March 11, 2025. Records show that the state had the highest number of cybercrimes in 2022 (158 incidents), followed by 2023 (72 cases). Of the 41 cybercrime instances that occurred in 2024, 15 involved sexual harassment and 17 involved financial offences. Thirteen cases of cybercrime were recorded as of March 11 of this year, including six cases of sexual harassment and four cases of financial frauds. According to the records, since 2021, 113 people—including eight minors—have been arrested in cybercrime cases, and 40 of them have been found guilty.

Ghibli glam or privacy scam? Chandigarh Cyber Cell issues advisory

The Chandigarh Police Cybercrime Cell has warned against rising online frauds involving fake Ghibli artwork and merchandise. Users are advised to stay alert, verify sources, and avoid suspicious links or offers to protect their data and finances. The Chandigarh Police Cybercrime Cell has issued a warning about possible frauds that pose as Ghibli artwork or items. Ghibli’s artificial intelligence (AI)-generated graphics have garnered a lot of attention in the past week. According to a Cybercrime Cell statement, these crimes can take many different forms, and both authors and fans should be mindful of the possible dangers that exist in the digital realm. Cybercriminals frequently create phoney internet shops or auction platforms that purport to sell Ghibli artwork or authentic items. These websites have the potential to send fake goods, steal personal information, or vanish after a transaction. Before making a purchase, always confirm the legitimacy and authenticity of websites, according to DSP (Cyber Cell) Venkatesh. According to the DSP, who briefed on several cyber scams that may involve Ghibli, phishing emails may be sent by fraudsters posing as Ghibli news or offers. These emails may contain links to phoney social media profiles or retail locations. The DSP warned that clicking on these links could result in the download of malware or the loss of personal data. According to reports, phoney Ghibli-related competitions or prizes are frequently employed as a means of obtaining user information or persuading users to download harmful programs. Additionally, some cybercriminals pass off malware or ransomware as downloaded content (like Ghibli wallpapers or art packs), which is how hazardous software is camouflaged as Ghibli art. According to the Cyber Cell, if a person downloads the content, harmful software may be placed on their device, which might lock or steal data. Regarding identity theft, the DSP stated that cybercriminals may fabricate websites or social media profiles that pose as artists, particularly fan artists, to obtain admirers’ personal information or even to sell phoney artwork. When interacting with creators or fan communities, exercise caution at all times. The Cyber Cell advised using platforms that let users confirm their identity, including verified social media accounts, and refraining from disclosing private information, such as credit card numbers unless you have faith in the platform. The Cyber Cell provided information on how to confirm authenticity, stating that you should always make sure that websites or accounts that sell Ghibli artwork, products, or content are authentic. Report any stolen Ghibli artwork or fake goods you come across to the appropriate authorities or websites. Purchase genuine goods and downloads from reputable, official websites to avoid fraud, DSP Venkatesh said. Furthermore, it’s best to avoid falling for offers that seem too good to be true, Especially when they come from unknown websites or unwanted emails. According to the DSP, you may safeguard your work and yourself against cybercrime involving Ghibli art by remaining aware and alert.

Maharashtra Cyber Corporation was formed to audit govt and Pvt. Firms’ preparedness for fraud

The Maharashtra government has transformed its Cyber Command Center into the Maharashtra Cyber Corporation to strengthen cybersecurity readiness. It will audit and guide government and private firms on cyber fraud prevention. On April 1, 2025, the Maharashtra government formally transformed its Maharashtra Cyber Corporation Command Center into a cyber corporation that will investigate the state’s overall readiness for cyber security. It will serve as a guide for public and commercial organizations, as well as government departments, on safe cyber practices and cyber security. At a cabinet meeting last month, the idea to turn the MMaharashtra Cyber Corporation Police into a company was accepted. Maharashtra Cyber, which operated off of a floor at Cuffe Parade, received an upgrade last year when the state government invested Rs 838 crore and gave it the entire Mahape building in Navi Mumbai. An official added, “We will be guiding government and private companies in matters of cyber security. To make sure they don’t become victims of cyber fraud, this will be done. Private businesses will be subject to yearly audits and need to adhere to the security protocols established by the Corporation. According to the Government Resolution, the state government will own all of the corporation when it is formed under the Companies Act. The Corporation’s authorized share capital will be Rs 200 crore. The entire paid-up and subscribed share capital will come from the state government. This will cover the corporation’s first year’s necessary administrative costs, and any further administrative costs will be covered by the corporation’s revenue, the GR stated.

Chandigarh: A digital arrest fraud costs a retired colonel and his wife ₹3.4 cr.

An elderly couple in Chandigarh was duped of ₹3.41 crore by scammers posing as ED officials, keeping them under a 10-day “digital arrest.” Police have recovered ₹6 lakh and advised residents to report suspicious calls. In Sector 2-A, an 82-year-old retired army officer named Colonel Dalip Singh and his 74-year-old wife, Ravinder Kaur Bajwa, have lost ₹3.41 crore to scammers posing as Enforcement Directorate (ED) employees. The deception occurred on March 18, when Bajwa was falsely accused of being implicated in a money laundering case by a caller from an unidentified number. The scammer asserted that Bajwa had reportedly received ₹20 lahks as commission for laundering ₹2 crores after selling his bank account details to Naresh Goyal, the jailed owner of Jet Airways, for ₹5 lakh. The scammers used a video chat to show Bajwa his ATM card and said they were looking into a ₹5,038-crore scam to make their plan seem genuine. Additionally, they falsely claimed that Goyal had killed a whistle-blower and their whole family and shared pictures of 24 supposed victims, claiming that one had committed suicide. By claiming that he was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Supreme Court, the scammers further threatened him. The scammers promised to set up an online inquiry when Bajwa stated that he was too old to fly to Mumbai for interrogation. During the inquiry, they asked him 15 questions about Naresh Goyal’s case. In an attempt to further influence him, they threatened to ruin his name by revealing his purported role in newspapers if he didn’t comply. Bajwa and his spouse were put under “digital arrest” by the scammers, who told them to never turn off their phones and to refrain from making any calls. This ten-day digital arrest took place between March 18 and March 27. The scammers forced Bajwa to divulge his ₹8.80 lakh bank account amount on March 20. Through the use of fake arrest orders and WhatsApp-shared account-freezing notifications, they coerced him into sending money via real-time gross settlement (RTGS). After receiving digital arrest threats, Bajwa transferred money to several different accounts, leaving his bank account empty. He sent ₹8 lahks on March 20, ₹60 lahks on March 21, ₹80 lakh on March 24, ₹88 lahks on March 25, and ₹1.05 crore on March 27. His wife was the next victim of the scammers in digital arrest, who persuaded him to cancel her fixed deposits (FDs) to “close the case.” The scammers made Bajwa stay on his video call for a full day to keep him under control. They would get in touch with him right away and ask him to switch it on if the call was cut off. They used several phone lines to pose as Mumbai Cyber Crime authorities. They kept calling the numbers of Bajwa and his family. After realizing he had been duped, Bajwa went to the Chandigarh cybercrime police station and lodged a report, which resulted in the filing of a case on April 1. The cyber police station received a formal complaint (FIR) filed under Sections 308, 319(2), 318(4), 336(3), 338, 340(2), and 61(2) of the BNS. From the misplaced money, the Chandigarh Police were able to retrieve ₹6 lakh. Residents have been advised by police to exercise caution and refrain from giving out money or personal information to strangers over the phone. They have recommended reporting strange calls to the cyber-crime digital arrest helpdesk and checking with the authorities for any legal notices (1930).

STF cracks cyber fraud racket in Lucknow, arrests six including kingpin

The Uttar Pradesh STF cracks cyber fraud arrested six members of a cyber fraud gang in Vibhuti Khand, including the mastermind, for running corporate bank accounts on rent to conduct scams. Seized items included luxury cars, bank documents, electronic devices, and evidence linking them to fraud cases worth crores across India. In the Vibhuti Khand neighbourhood of the state capital, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) detained six members of an organized cyber fraud gang, including the mastermind. On March 29, 2025, STF said in a news release that the gang ran corporate bank accounts on rent to conduct extensive cyber scams involving online gambling, share market investments, digital arrest, and other purportedly criminal acts. During the raid, the STF also seized expensive cars, bank paperwork, and technological gadgets. The STF retrieved a driver’s license, voter ID, 18 debit and credit cards, three Aadhaar cards, three PAN cards, 11 cell phones, and 52 WhatsApp chats containing APK files and corporate bank account information. Two four-wheeler vehicles that were allegedly used in the crime as well as ₹34,500 in cash were confiscated. According to the police, around 11:05 p.m. on March 28, 2025, the STF team, led by assistant superintendent of police Vishal Vikram Singh, arrested the accused in Vibhuti Khand near the Aadhaar Card Office across from a cafe. According to the STF, the inquiry started after Lucknow-based Alex Innovation Pvt Ltd, an IT solutions company, complained about a scam involving about ₹48 lakh at the Cyber fraud Crime Police Station. According to the lawsuit, the gang’s leader, Abdul Malik, used a malicious APK file to get access to the company’s private bank account. Before the bank closed the account, he carried out almost 3,200 unauthorized transactions. Subsequent investigation verified that the transactions were connected to cyber fraud. The gang also includes Pushpendra Singh (MBA) from Rae Bareli, Vijay Kumar Pathak (PhD) from Jaunpur, Ayush Mishra (BTech) from Gorakhpur, Yaseen Ahmed alias Yasir (Class 10) from Gonda, and Syed Alim Hussain (BBA) from Gonda. According to the press release, each had a distinct function in the illegal enterprise. STF officials claim that in 2024, Malik made contact with Farhan from Lucknow, who then connected him with foreign agents Daniel from Kathmandu, Nepal, and Jackie from Pune. The gang used the promise of large commissions to entice business bank account customers. One of the gang’s main schemes was to use a private bank account in December 2024 to defraud Atex Innovation Pvt Ltd of ₹47.58 lakh. Through an Indian Overseas Bank account acquired through a Telegram contact named Nilesh Yadav from Bihar, they laundered ₹1.2 crore in January 2025. Details of ten corporate bank accounts used for cyber fraud were found on electronic devices found during the raid, and 25 more complaints were filed against the gang throughout India. The accused has been the subject of a formal complaint filed under Section 66C of the Information Technology Act and Sections 318(4), 319(2), and 111(2)(b) of the Indian Penal Code. In addition to forensic examination of the confiscated electronic devices to find more proof of the gang’s activities, STF officers revealed that attempts are still being made to track down and capture additional gang members.

Police Say Former Odisha IT Minister Loses Rs 1.4 Crore to Cybercriminals

Former Odisha IT Minister and MLA Tusharkanti Behera lost Rs 1.4 crore to cyber fraud, allegedly through a friend’s misuse of his trading account. Police have arrested seven suspects and frozen Rs 15 lakh while continuing the investigation. Bhubaneswar: On March 31, 2025, a top police officer here stated that an Odisha IT Minister A and former information technology minister had lost Rs 1.4 due to cyber fraud in around a month and a half.In relation to the crime, seven people were taken into custody by the police: three from Tamil Nadu and four from Karnataka. But in January, the former minister filed a police complaint in this respect, alleging that a buddy had been using his trading account and misappropriated the funds. Odisha IT Minister to say the police officer claimed that the accused and their colleagues used to pretend to be trade analysts in order to get individuals to invest money in shares, IPOs, and other trades by promising them large profits. Between November 13, 2024, and January 1, 2025, the accused obtained Rs 1.40 crore fraudulently from the complainant, according to the Crime Branch’s cybercrime unit, which conducted the inquiry, he added. Sarthak Sarangi, the IG for the Crime Branch, stated during a news conference that on January 13 of this year, “we received a complaint that cyber fraudsters swindled Rs 1.4 crore from the complainant through a mobile app.” He did not, however, identify the complainant because he believed it would interfere with the inquiry. The complainant, according to police sources, is an IIT graduate, a current Odisha IT Minister , and a former minister of information technology. However, former IT minister and BJD Odisha IT Minister Tusharkanti Behera told reporters: “My friend used my trading account and lost the money to cyber fraud.” I don’t know anything about the fraud directly. According to Sarangi, bank accounts in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, and Maharashtra have received the funds. Seven people were taken into custody by crime branch teams that were dispatched to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala during the first phase. “Very soon we will send our teams to Hyderabad, West Bengal and Delhi to arrest other accused persons in this case,” the officer said. According to him, the Crime Branch has frozen Rs 15 lakh in the accused individuals’ bank accounts and recovered Rs 4 lakh from them thus far.According to Sarangi, a Navy commander and a university vice-chancellor were lately the targets of cyber fraud.

Business fraud losses of 9.5 lakhs are recovered by a cybercrime team A Major Victory

Hyderabad Cyber Crime Unit recovered ₹9.5 lakh from fraudsters who tricked a businessman with a fake business fraud opportunity fraud. Authorities warn against upfront payment scams and advise verifying company legitimacy. A businessman who was defrauded by cybercriminals was successfully refunded ₹9,50,531 by the Hyderabad City Cyber Crime Unit. The police emphasized that the likelihood of recovering lost money can be increased by reporting such fraud right away. To receive assistance, victims can call the cybercrime helpline 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in. According to the police, a 32-year-old complainant in this case was tricked into sending the money to bank accounts that the scammers had offered under the guise of a business fraud opportunity. Inspector K. Prasada Rao headed a squad that located and detained the accused in Sector-7, Dwarka, New Delhi, together with SI Abhishek, HC Satish, and PCs Srinivas Reddy and Kranthi Kumar Reddy. A demand draft was used to successfully return the whole money to the victim. Authorities have issued warnings to entrepreneurs about fraudulent schemes in which fraudsters demand upfront fees for website construction, ISO certification, and registration in exchange for lucrative business fraud negotiations. It is advised that victims check the legitimacy of the company, refrain from making sizable upfront payments, and be wary of unsolicited offers.

Cyber News