cyber crime

Maharashtra Cyber Cell Cracks Down on Ticket Black Marketing Amid Coldplay Concert Scandal

Maharashtra Cyber Cell directs BookMyShow and Zomato to enforce buyer-specific tickets and ID verification at event venues to curb black marketing. The Maharashtra Cyber Cell, led by Cyber Cell Chief Mr Yashasvi Yadav, is taking significant action against ticket black marketing. The crackdown involves major ticketing platforms like BookMyShow and Zomato. The Cyber Cell has instructed BookMyShow and Zomato to implement a system where tickets for demanding events, such as Coldplay’s concert, must be issued with the buyer’s name printed on them. Event-goers will be required to present a government-issued ID (such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Driving License) to gain entry, and the name on the ticket must match the ID. This move comes in the wake of the Coldplay concert ticket black marketing case and is being enforced immediately. A white paper on the issue, containing insights and a petition for future actions, will be released soon. The new measures will be applied to ticket sales for major concerts and large-scale events across Maharashtra, with specific regulations for platforms like BookMyShow and Zomato. The ID verification system will be enforced at event venues across the state. The action comes as a response to the growing issue of individuals purchasing event tickets in bulk and reselling them at inflated prices through social media and other platforms. Cyber Cell Chief Yashasvi Yadav stated that the initiative aims to prevent this black marketing and ensure that tickets are sold at fair prices to genuine buyers. BookMyShow and Zomato have been instructed to unify a system where tickets for major events will be linked to the buyer’s name. At the event venue, attendees will need to show their valid government-issued ID, which must match the name on the ticket to gain entry. Also, a paper is being prepared to outline probable legal frameworks and technical resolutions to further combat ticket black marketing in the future. These actions are expected to reduce ticket resale at inflated prices, ensuring a more transparent and fair experience for event-goers.

Mr Shah for use of AI to combat cyber fraud, mule accounts

According to Mr Amit Shah, on February 11, 2025, the government developed a strategy to deploy Artificial Intelligence tools to identify and close “mule accounts” before they are used to launder money through cybercrime. Speaking at a meeting of the Parliamentary meeting for MHA on “Cyber Security and Cyber Crime,” Mr Shah stresses how India’s digital infrastructure has grown quickly, increasing technological risks. He underlined that combating cyber fraud requires an all-encompassing strategy that incorporates software, services, and user awareness. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi The federal minister said that it’s cybersecurity framework, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, through some initiatives, the federal minister said. various initiatives According to Mr Shah, cybercrime is a “borderless” and “formless” danger that crosses national borders. He stresses the crucial role of important organizations like the Ministry of Electronics and IT in collaborating with ministries like banking and telecom to combat cyber threats. He asked committee members to spread the word about the I4C hotline number 1930, which provides financial fraud prevention services, including banning illegal transactions. To stop their misuse before they start operating, Shah also emphasized attempts to employ artificial intelligence to identify mule accounts in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India and other institutions. He reaffirmed the government’s pledge to use Prime Minister Modi’s “STOP-THINK-TAKE ACTION” campaign to increase public awareness of cyber threats. The home minister gave important data on cybersecurity efforts, pointing out that 1.43 lakh FIRs had been filed on the I4C portal, which has over 19 crore subscribers. For national security grounds, 3,266 internet URLs and 805 apps have been prohibited following the I4C’s recommendations. To combat cyber fraud, 399 banks and financial intermediaries have also teamed up, identifying nearly 19 lakh mule accounts and stopping suspicious transactions totalling ₹2,038 crore. Shah also described the government’s commitment to cybercrime forensics, noting that 33 states and union territories now have Cyber Crime Forensic Training Labs. More than 1 lakh police personnel have signed up for training on the “CyTrain” platform, and its Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) program has produced 78,000 diplomas.

Cybercrime in Hyderabad: Police Dismantle Nationwide Fraud Network

Cybercrime in Hyderabad: Police Crack Down on Nationwide Financial Fraud Network Hyderabad, Jan 10: In a significant move to combat cybercrime in Hyderabad, the city police have arrested 23 offenders involved in a massive nationwide financial fraud network. This breakthrough came after coordinated operations across Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Large-Scale Cybercrime Network Uncovered The arrests revealed the involvement of the suspects in 30 cases within Telangana and 359 cases across the country. The fraudulent activities, which included scams targeting innocent individuals, resulted in financial losses amounting to Rs 5.30 crore. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cybercrimes), Dara Kavitha, emphasized the rise of cybercrime in Hyderabad and outlined the efforts of five dedicated teams that uncovered the syndicate’s operations. The investigations exposed sophisticated methods used by the criminals, leveraging loopholes in systems to execute large-scale scams. Types of Cyber Fraud and Seizures The cases detected include: Investment fraud: 5 cases Digital arrest scams: 2 cases Trading fraud: 3 cases Job fraud: 2 cases APK file fraud: 1 case The police seized a range of items used in the frauds, such as: Rs 40,000 in cash 25 mobile phones 45 SIM cards 29 bank passbooks/checkbooks 23 debit and credit cards A laptop Three QR code scanners Five shell company stamps Victim Relief and Preventive Measures As part of the operation, Rs 39 lakh was recovered and refunded to victims in three cases. This reflects the commitment of the cybercrime unit in ensuring justice for victims of cybercrime in Hyderabad and across India. DCP Kavitha praised the coordinated efforts that led to the dismantling of organized fraud networks. She stressed the importance of citizen awareness in combating cyber scams. Cybercrime Prevention Tips for Citizens The Hyderabad police issued a set of advisories to protect citizens from falling victim to scams. Key recommendations include: Avoid interacting with unknown individuals on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Be cautious of platforms offering high returns on small investments. Remember that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not issue digital arrests or demand money to prove innocence. Verify suspicious claims by visiting your nearest police station. A Step Forward in Fighting Cybercrime in Hyderabad This operation marks a crucial step in addressing cybercrime in Hyderabad and dismantling fraudulent networks on a national scale. The Hyderabad police’s efforts underline their commitment to protecting citizens and preventing future scams.

This state in India has saved $31.2 million from cyber criminals

According to Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur, the police also tied up with major banks, which led to 15 nodal officers from 10 major banks joining forces with the police on a common platform to combat cybercrime Police in Haryana claimed on 9 Jan 2025 that the north Indian state is the first in the country in terms of the number of cyber crimes tackled or prevented in 2024. It has saved about $31.2 million from cyber criminals up from $8.9 mn in 2023. This amount is five times more than what was saved in 2022. Haryana’s police also successfully recovered and refunded fraudulently siphoned money to victims. In 2023, they were given back $3.8 million, which increased by November 2024 to $11 million. Smart strategies: Stronger alliance with banks The success, said the police, came as a result of learning and understanding the methods of cyber criminals and working closely with the banks. The Indian state has also increased the number of police personnel on its cyber helpline 1930 (which is a toll-free helpline number in India for reporting cyber crimes) from a workforce of 12 to 70. According to Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur, the police also tied up with major banks, which led to 15 nodal officers from 10 major banks joining forces with the police on a common platform to combat cybercrime. Cyber police have been running after the Lok Adalats to return money to the victims without going through a long judicial process. Increase in cases and arrests According to Kapur, the Haryana Police made several strides in eliminating cybercrime. In 2024, the police registered 5,511 cases of cyber fraud, more than double the 2,747 cases registered in 2023 and up from 2,165 cases in 2022. Arrests also surged, with the police arresting 5,156 cybercriminals in 2024 compared to 1,909 in 2023 and 1,078 in 2022. A notable 70 percent (3,555) of those arrested were from other states, and the police averaged 14 arrests per day. Kapur praised the efforts of the entire cyber team for their dedication and hard work in tackling the crime saying, “The work done by our cyber cell has brought us to the top in terms of blocking cyber fraud and recovering stolen funds.” Improved cyber fraud prevention Haryana Police’s efforts have also enhanced the rate at which fraudulent amounts are blocked. The rate of blocked amounts in cyber fraud cases rose from 7 percent in September 2023 to 36 percent in December 2024, making it the highest in the country. Following this, if a victim files a complaint within six hours after the fraud, then 70 percent of lost money is blocked. This is also the highest percentage within the country. Union Home Minister Amit Shah honored the Haryana police for their success in reducing cybercrime in 2024. He lauded the police’s work in running the cyber helpline DGP Kapur revealed that the police managed to close 2,83,589 bank accounts and 1,24,565 mobile numbers involved in cyber fraud.

Cyber-crime police station issues advisory over fraudulent websites offering online booking during Maha Kumbh

The Mahakumbh is set to be held in Prayagraj starting January 13 and will continue till February 26. Lakhs of devotees from across the country and even abroad are expected to visit the Kumbh Mela. THE CYBER CRIME police station in Pimpri Chinchwad has issued an advisory, cautioning residents about fraudulent websites swindling people on the pretext of online booking for stay and passes or seeking donations for events. The Mahakumbh is set to be held in Prayagraj starting January 13 and will continue till February 26. Lakhs of devotees from across the country and even abroad are expected to visit the Kumbh Mela. An advisory issued by the Pimpri Chinchwad police on 09/01/2025 night read, “A large number of fake websites, links, and other platforms have been created on the internet and social media to exploit the faith of the devotees who wish to visit the Mahakumbh. This has come to the attention of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Ministry of Home Affairs. On this background, Pimpri Chinchwad police are issuing an advisory cautioning people to beware of these scams.” The advisory further reads, “The victim can be potentially cheated in different ways. Fraudulent websites, links, and other platforms can cheat people on the pretext of collecting donations from devotees. Devotees can also be cheated on the pretext of bookings for hotels, tents, and other types of accommodations at the event.” Some of these platforms can ask devotees to download malicious files and gain access to the users’ devices, officials said. The advisory further reads, “Devotees should not click on any questionable websites or links. All the official information about the Mahakumbh can be obtained from kumbh.gov.in which is the official website of the event. Do not share sensitive financial information, or passwords with the callers or platforms. Approach the cybercrime helpline or nearest police station in case of suspicion of cheating.” Officials said that cyber dost, which is the official platform of the I4C, has shared names of authorized locations for stays, hotels, and guest houses for Kumbh. When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) for Pimpri Chinchwad Sandeep Doiphode said, “We have not yet reported any cases of cheating related to Mahakumbh. However, based on observation from Central entities, we have issued the advisory cautioning people as a large number of devotees from here may visit the event.”

Cyber Fraud Victim Wins: Supreme Court Directs SBI to Repay Stolen Funds

The Supreme Court has upheld justice for a cyber fraud victim, directing the State Bank of India (SBI) to refund Rs 94,000 stolen during an online scam. The judgment highlights the bank’s accountability and failure to act promptly despite receiving timely fraud reports. In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to refund Rs 94,000 to a victim of cyber fraud from Assam. The case has brought into sharp focus the responsibilities of financial institutions in safeguarding their customers’ funds against fraudulent activities. The Incident The cyber fraud occurred when the victim attempted to return a Louis Philippe blazer worth Rs 4,000. Posing as a customer service representative, the fraudster tricked the victim into installing a malicious app, leading to the theft of Rs 94,204 from his SBI savings account. The stolen money was transferred across multiple bank accounts via UPI transactions. The root of the issue lay in a 2021 data breach on Louis Philippe’s website, which compromised sensitive customer details, including the victim’s contact information. Exploiting this data, the fraudster carried out the scam, leaving the victim with a blazer he no longer wanted and an empty bank account. Legal Battle After discovering the fraudulent transactions, the victim immediately contacted SBI to block his account and card. He also filed complaints with the Assam Police, the RBI Banking Ombudsman, and the Ministry of Home Affairs through its National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. However, he faced resistance from SBI, which refused to take responsibility, citing the use of Google Pay—a third-party app not recommended by the bank. Unyielding, the victim pursued legal remedies through the Gauhati High Court, which found SBI at fault for not taking timely action despite being informed within hours of the scam. The High Court ordered the bank to refund the full amount. Supreme Court Verdict SBI escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court’s decision. However, the apex court upheld the previous judgment, emphasizing that the bank, equipped with advanced technology, failed to act promptly to prevent the fraud. The Supreme Court ordered SBI to refund the stolen amount and recover it from the fraudster, who had been apprehended by the Assam Police. The court also highlighted the importance of vigilance by both banks and customers. While banks must utilize their technological resources to detect and prevent cyber fraud, customers are advised to exercise caution when sharing sensitive information or using third-party payment apps. Key Observations SBI was informed of the fraud within hours but failed to take corrective action, such as lodging a chargeback request or initiating investigations. The bank’s argument, citing Google Pay’s third-party status, was rejected by the court, which held SBI accountable for protecting its customers’ interests. The judgment serves as a precedent, reinforcing the accountability of banks in cyber fraud cases and emphasizing timely action to mitigate losses. Conclusion This case underscores the increasing prevalence of cyber fraud and the need for both banks and customers to remain vigilant. The Supreme Court’s ruling has not only delivered justice to the victim but also set a benchmark for addressing cybercrime-related financial disputes, ensuring that victims are not left to bear the brunt of such crimes.

BSF Inspector duped of over Rs 70 Lakh after making ‘digital arrest’ in Gwalior

Bhopal: A Border Security Force (BSF) official in Gwalior was held in the longest digital arrest for 32 days before his son came to his rescue. The victim identified as Absar Ahmed, posted as an inspector in the BSF Training Centre, Tekanpur, was under digital arrest from December 2, 2024, and was duped of Rs 71.25 lakh in 34 transactions during the period, police said. “We have received the complaint regarding the digital arrest of a BSF official. The crime branch has registered a case and the probe is on,” Gwalior district superintendent of police (SP) Dharamveer Singh said. According to the police, the BSF official, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, had received a WhatsApp call at 11.29 am on December 2, 2024. The identified Mumbai cyber and crime branch officer told the victim that an arrest warrant had been issued against him and his family members in connection with a money laundering case. The BSF official was told that he was being interrogated virtually and he and his family members would be arrested if he informed other people. He was asked to transfer money to particular accounts as part of the probe and the money would be returned if he was found innocent. Under psychological pressure, Ahmed sold his flat in Delhi exhausted all his savings, and transferred Rs 71.25 lakh to the accounts mentioned. His son rushed to Gwalior on January 2 after learning about it and asked him to file a police complaint.

India is the second most targeted nation in terms of cyberattacks: Cloud SEK

Cyber intelligence firm Cloud SEK said in a report that India emerged as the second most targeted nation in terms of cyber-attacks worldwide, as 95 Indian entities were targeted for data theft in 2024. According to the company’s Threat Landscape Report 2024 based on data monitoring in the dark web, the US was the most targeted country, with 140 attacks, due to its economic dominance and digital infrastructure followed by India where data of 95 entities were attacked in 2024. “India: Rapid digitization exposed 95 entities, making it the second most attacked nation,” the report said. Israel was on the third spot where 57 entities faced attacks due to geopolitical tensions. “The threat actors impacted various sectors in India, with the finance and banking sectors experiencing the highest number of victims at 20. This was followed by the government sector with 13 victims, telecommunications with 12, and the healthcare and pharma and education sectors with 10 and 9 victims, respectively,” the report said. The major breaches as per the report comprised 850 million records of Indian citizen data leaked from Hi-Tek Group, Star Health, and Allied Insurance customers data, 2TB of data from Telecommunications Consultants India. According to the report, there were 108 ransomware incidents known in the country. “Lock bit was the most active ransomware group in India, being responsible for over 20 incidents in the country, followed by more than 15 targets by Kallsen. Ransom hub ransomware was responsible for over 12 incidents in the country,” the report said.

How to Protect Yourself Against the Growing Threat of AI Voice Cloning Fraud

Synopsis Voice cloning replicates your voice and can mimic the tone, pitch, and style of talking. Fraudsters use voice cloning to scam you into sharing sensitive information like your account details. Creating awareness and being alert can help you steer clear of vice cloning frauds. In recent years, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have made it possible to replicate voices with stunning accuracy. Voice cloning technology can now replicate the tone, pitch, and style of your voice, even making it indistinguishable from the real thing. While these advancements are beneficial for various industries, they also open the door for potential fraud and scams. Fraudsters use this technology to impersonate others and trick victims into sharing sensitive information like passwords or bank account details. What Is a Voice Cloning Scam? Voice cloning scams involve fraudsters using AI to create a synthetic version of someone’s voice. The technology can accurately mimic not just the words but the unique qualities of a person’s voice, including tone, pitch, and speaking style. Scammers use this technology to impersonate trusted individuals, such as bank officials, family members, or colleagues, to deceive victims into taking harmful actions—like transferring money, sharing personal information, or authorizing transactions. While voice cloning can have legitimate uses in entertainment, education, and customer service, its misuse has led to serious concerns about privacy and security. It’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself. Key Risks of Voice Cloning Fraud Here are some of the primary risks associated with AI voice cloning fraud: Financial Fraud: Scammers can use cloned voices to impersonate bank officials, convincing victims to transfer money or reveal sensitive financial details. Since voice recognition is commonly used for identity verification, a cloned voice can bypass traditional security checks. Identity Theft: Cloned voices can be used to extract personal information, which may then be leveraged to steal someone’s identity. Fraudsters may impersonate you to access personal accounts or make unauthorized purchases. Corporate Espionage: Voice cloning technology can also be misused in corporate environments. Scammers may impersonate executives or employees to steal sensitive corporate information, potentially leading to significant financial or intellectual property losses. Social Engineering Attacks: By mimicking the voice of a trusted individual, scammers can manipulate you into actions you would otherwise avoid, such as disclosing passwords, making payments, or even sharing confidential business information. Protecting Yourself Against AI Voice Cloning Fraud While voice cloning scams are a serious threat, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. It requires a combination of technological solutions, awareness, and personal vigilance. Technological Solutions Voice Biometric Systems: Robust voice biometric systems are designed to detect synthetic voices and distinguish between real and cloned voices. These systems analyze various characteristics, such as speech patterns, rhythm, and tone, to authenticate a speaker’s identity. AI Fraud Detection: AI-driven solutions can identify anomalies in voice patterns and flag potential fraud. These tools use advanced algorithms to recognize subtle differences between a natural voice and a cloned one, helping prevent scams before they occur. Encrypted Communication Channels: Make sure your voice data is protected by encryption. This prevents voice samples from being intercepted and used to create voice clones. Secure communication channels ensure that any voice samples captured are safe from unauthorized access. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Combining voice recognition with additional security measures, like passwords, biometrics, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs), can significantly strengthen security. Relying on voice alone is no longer enough—MFA provides a second layer of protection. Public Awareness and Education Raise Awareness: Public service announcements, workshops, and online resources can help individuals understand the risks of voice cloning. Awareness campaigns can empower people to take action before becoming victims of a scam. Train Employees: Companies, especially those in sensitive sectors, should train employees to recognize and respond to voice cloning attempts. This includes verifying callers and being cautious when handling financial transactions or sensitive data. Verify Caller Identity: Encourage people to always verify the identity of anyone calling, especially when they are asked to share sensitive information. Call the person back using a known phone number or request secondary verification methods before proceeding. Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself Here are some simple yet effective steps you can follow to safeguard yourself from AI voice cloning fraud: Verify the Caller’s Identity: Always double-check the identity of a caller before sharing any sensitive information. If the caller claims to be someone you know, such as a family member or colleague, call them back on a trusted phone number. Be cautious when receiving unsolicited requests for sensitive information, especially over the phone. Be Mindful of Public Voice Sharing: Avoid posting voice recordings online or sharing them on social media, as these can be used to create clones. Be cautious with voice assistants like Siri or Alexa, which may store your voice data. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Whenever possible, enable MFA on your online accounts. Use a combination of factors—such as passwords, text message codes, and biometric verification—along with voice authentication for better protection. Update and Strengthen Your Passwords: Regularly update your passwords and use strong, unique passwords for each account. Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, or common phrases. Monitor Your Bank Statements: Stay vigilant by regularly reviewing your bank statements and transaction histories. Report any suspicious activity immediately to your bank or relevant financial institutions. Stay Informed About New Technologies: Keep yourself updated on the latest developments in voice cloning and AI technology. Understanding how these technologies work can help you recognize potential threats and respond accordingly. Conclusion AI voice cloning offers great potential but also significant risks, especially in fraud and identity theft. Scammers use it to impersonate trusted individuals and trick victims into revealing sensitive information or authorizing transactions. To reduce the risk of falling victim to voice-cloning scams, stay informed and follow protective steps. Be proactive—use technological safeguards, raise awareness, and stay vigilant when sharing sensitive information. Always verify identities and be cautious of unusual requests. If you suspect fraud,

Youtuber Ankush Bahuguna shares 40-hour digital arrest scam ordeal urges vigilance

January 6, 2025: Popular content creator Ankush Bahuguna recently revealed a harrowing 40-hour ordeal in which he was held in a “digital arrest” by cybercriminals. In a deeply emotional video shared on Instagram, Ankush recounted how scammers isolated him from friends and family, coerced him into performing suspicious financial transactions, and manipulated him through fear and threats. The ordeal began with a seemingly harmless automated call about a suspicious package linked to his name. Following instructions, he pressed a button for customer support, unknowingly falling into an elaborate scam trap. A fake official on the call claimed the package contained illegal substances bound for China and an arrest warrant had been issued in his name. Isolation and Manipulation Panicked, Ankush was connected to someone posing as a law enforcement officer. This person accused him of money laundering, drug trafficking, and being involved in serious crimes. He was then placed under so-called “self-custody,” isolating him entirely from the outside world. For 40 hours, Ankush was kept on a continuous video call, and forbidden from answering messages, picking up calls, or contacting anyone. Under duress, he was forced to share sensitive information, perform bank transactions, and follow every instruction the scammers gave. “I was crying and begging, but they kept me on the call. They convinced me my career would be destroyed, my family was in danger, and I would face abuse if I didn’t comply,” Ankush shared, visibly shaken. Friends and Family Intervene Ankush’s family and friends grew suspicious of his erratic behavior throughout the ordeal. His sister’s persistent messages finally reached him, revealing that such “digital arrests” are a common scam. Realizing the truth, Ankush broke free from the scammers’ grip and reconnected with his family. “I’m so grateful for my friends’ instincts. If they hadn’t acted quickly, I might still be trapped in that nightmare,” he admitted. A Warning to All Ankush urged his followers to be cautious of such scams and never engage with suspicious calls or share sensitive information online. “The thing with these scams is, if you believe one lie, they tell ten more, each scarier than the last. Please be vigilant and report such incidents immediately,” he concluded. This incident highlights the growing sophistication of cyber scams and serves as a stark warning about individuals’ vulnerabilities in an increasingly digital world.