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

Maharashtra Cyber Corporation

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 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 Maharashtra Cyber 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.

Gift Card Scams: Protect Yourself from Fraudsters

Gift Card Scams

Scammers use gift cards to trick victims into making fraudulent payments, often by posing as government agencies or businesses. Always remember—gift cards are for gifts, not payments. Gift cards are for gifts not for payments. Scammers are the only ones who will advise you to purchase a gift card and provide them with the card’s back numbers.  You will never be told to purchase a gift card to pay a reputable government agency or business. Government agencies, such as the IRS, Treasury Department, FBI, or local police departments, will not accept any form of gift card as payment and will not ask you for gift card information, especially over the phone. You should never be asked to pay your utility bills, bail money, debt collection, or hospital bills with gift cards. If you are, it’s a scam. Gift cards should never be used to settle debt collection, utility bills, bail money, or medical bills. It is a scam if someone makes such a demand. How Gift Card Scams Work Scammers try to convince victims to purchase Gift cards and reveal the numbers by contacting them by phone, text, email, or social media. These are the typical strategies employed: Scammers will say it’s urgent They will warn that if you don’t pay them immediately, dire consequences will ensue. Resist the pressure to act immediately. Slow down and talk with someone you trust. Don’t pay. It’s a scam. Specifying Which Gift Card to Buy They might instruct victims to purchase a particular brand of Gift Card and sometimes even specify where to buy it. To avoid detection, scammers may direct victims to multiple stores. Some fraudsters remain on the phone with victims while they purchase the cards. If this happens, hang up immediately. Asking for Gift Card Numbers and PINs The scammer requests the numbers and PIN codes on the back of the Gift Card to access the money. Never share these details with anyone. Common Gift Card Scams Gift Card scams are usually part of larger fraudulent schemes. Scammers use different stories to manipulate victims into buying gift cards. These are a few of the most prevalent kinds: Government Impersonation Scams Fraudsters claim overdue taxes or fines by impersonating representatives of organizations such as the IRS, FBI, or local police. Gift cards are never required as payment by government entities. Tech Support Scams Scammers believe there is a problem with your computer and pose as representatives of an IT company. They may ask for remote access or demand payment via gift card for a fake repair. Legitimate tech support services never contact customers this way. Emergency Scams Someone pretending to be a friend or relative says they are in desperate need of assistance because of money problems. To sound like a loved one, some people employ voice cloning. Before answering a request, be sure everything is in order. Fake Prize Scams Scammers say you won something, but you have to use a gift card to pay taxes or other costs. Reputable awards never demand payment in advance. Utility Company Scams Fraudsters pose as representatives of water or electricity providers and threaten to cut off service unless a gift card is paid right away. This is not how utility companies work. Romance Scams Scammers build relationships on the internet before requesting gift cards as payment. Never give someone you haven’t met in person money or presents. Fake Check Scams Victims receive a check for an excessive amount and are asked to return the difference using a gift card. The check later bounces, leaving the victim out of money. How to Respond If You Gave a Scammer a Gift Card If you realize you have been scammed, act quickly: Notify the gift card company of the scam right away. Even if the scam happened some time ago, report it. Your chances of getting your money back are better the sooner you take action. Request a refund Some companies have measures in place to help scam victims recover lost funds. Always ask. Report fraud to the FTC Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov to file a complaint. Your report helps authorities track down scammers. Contacting Gift Card Companies If you have the gift card and purchase receipt, contact the company that issued it. Below are the customer service numbers for major gift card providers: Amazon: 1-888-280-4331 American Express: 1-877-297-4438 Apple/iTunes: 1-800-275-2273 Best Buy: 1-888-237-8289 eBay: Customer Support Chat Google Play: Report fraud to Google MoneyPak: Fraud claim submission on their website ReloadIt: 1-888-633-9434 Sephora: 1-877-737-4672 Steam: Report fraud via Steam Support Target: 1-800-544-2943 Vanilla: 1-833-322-6760 Visa: 1-800-847-2911 Walmart: 1-888-537-5503 Look for your card issuer’s customer service details online or on the back of the card if they are not on the list.  How to Buy and Use Gift Cards Securely Use these precautions to avoid fraud: Purchase from reliable merchants Don’t buy from online auction sites because the cards can be stolen or counterfeit. Inspect the card before purchase Make sure the PIN is hidden and the protection stickers are still in place. Select an alternative card and notify the store employees if anything appears to be incorrect. Keep records of your purchase Save the gift card and store receipt. Take a photo of both as proof of purchase. These details will help if you need to report fraud or recover funds. Final Reminder: Stay Alert! Gift cards are for gifts, not payments. Never follow instructions to purchase a gift card. It’s a fraud if someone asks you to pay using a Gift Card. Gift card fraud can be prevented for both you and other people by remaining vigilant and knowledgeable.

The European Commission will invest €1.3 billion in digital skills, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence

The European Commission

The European Commission has allocated €1.3 billion to boost AI and digital ID development under the Digital Europe Programme. The funding will support AI innovation, cybersecurity, and digital skills training across the EU. A total of €1.3 billion has been announced by the European Commission to support the advancement and implementation of vital technologies in the European digital ecosystem. Digital ID and artificial intelligence have emerged as key new technologies that support contemporary society. In order to compete with growth on a worldwide scale, the Digital Europe Programme (Digital) Work Programme places special emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence into society and launching new AI companies. One of the main goals of the DIGITAL work program is to increase the availability and accessibility of generative AI applications, such as expanding into the healthcare industry, as the competition for AI innovation continues to increase. The available funds will be used to assist Innovation Hubs, a network of businesses and government agencies with the technical know-how to offer advice on the adoption of AI models, implement the AI Act, and curate AI “virtual realities.” These steps are essential to advancing the EU’s objectives of building more AI “factories,” which entails facilitating the development of AI start-ups or generative AI models for commercial use. AI can strengthen cyber defences against intrusions. The EU is keen to continue developing AI defences to outperform fraud driven by AI. Furthermore, the technical capabilities of AI will support the deployment of the European Trust Infrastructure and the new EU Digital Identity Wallet architecture in Member States. “Investing in cutting-edge technologies and enabling individuals to enhance their digital competencies is the first step towards safeguarding European tech sovereignty,” stated Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy. With extra money, EU education and training institutes will teach digital skills to entice more talent to enter the profession. “We are making sure that new technologies—and with them, new potential—reach European citizens, businesses, and public administrations through the opportunities under the Digital Europe Program.”

Vodafone Advances Cybersecurity for Businesses in Germany

Vodafone

Vodafone, Inc. The opening of a cybersecurity centre in Düsseldorf, Germany, was recently announced by VOD. The cybersecurity centre will provide small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) nationwide with 24/7 protection. Vodafone has a wide range of cybersecurity products. Businesses are better equipped to withstand new cyber threats thanks to Vodafone Business Managed Security Services. The administrator may configure and keep an eye on laptops, smartphones, and other devices used by an organization thanks to Unified Endpoint Management. A risk management tool called Vodafone Business Security Assessment-Security Ratings gives companies the ability to continuously monitor and provide a comprehensive picture of any cyber threats. Organizations can respond quickly to security threats thanks to this thorough visibility and accurate evaluation of cyber health. To prevent cyberattacks, Vodafone’s cyber security centre will try to detect any dangers and efficiently activate defences. It will also provide a cyber portal that would show information about security status and prevent cyberattacks. To guarantee the smooth deployment, monitoring, and upkeep of security systems for its clients, Vodafone has more than 100 security specialists on staff and provides round-the-clock services. To further enhance security capabilities and integrate cutting-edge technologies, the organization is also actively collaborating with significant tech firms like Google, Microsoft, Lookout, CybSafe, Zscaler, and others. Additionally, Vodafone’s cyber centre will work with clients to give corporate staff the right training and resources to identify such risks. Will VOD’s Share Performance Be Driven by This Initiative? To prevent cyberattacks, big businesses with substantial financial resources set up advanced IT infrastructure. SMEs with little funding are unable to make significant investments in cyber defence. In a highly competitive corporate environment, this renders them vulnerable and disadvantageous. Cybercriminals frequently take advantage of this weakness. According to recent studies, SMEs are the target of more than 50% of cyberattacks, and it takes them around 21 days to recover. This has a huge impact on how businesses operate. The German economy relies heavily on SMEs, thus the rise in cyberattacks targeting them is concerning for the nation. Vodafone is attempting to improve the digital resilience of its SME clients nationwide by establishing a cyber security centre in recognition of this underserved market. A customer-focused strategy like this bodes well for the long-term expansion of the business. Other Stocks to Consider Inter Digital In the last four quarters, IDC’s earnings surprised by 158.41%. It is a leader in cutting-edge mobile technologies that make wireless capabilities and communications possible. The business creates and develops a broad range of cutting-edge technological solutions for usage in networks and products connected to IEEE 802, digital cellular, and wireless 3G and 4G. Celestica Inc. Many of the top original equipment manufacturers in the world rely on CLS for post-manufacturing support, competitive manufacturing technologies, and service solutions for printed circuit and system assembly. United States Cellular Corporation USM’s most recent reported quarter saw a 150% earnings surprise. To improve churn control and speed up subscriber additions, U.S. Cellular has taken proactive measures. The company wants to give consumers the greatest cellular experience possible by offering a top-notch network with nationwide coverage. It is ideally situated to facilitate the expenditure needed for network improvements, such as the introduction of 5G technology.

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

Odisha IT Minister

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

Business fraud

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.

Goa Police Bust Cybercrime Recruitment Ring, Arrest Three for Exploiting Victims

Goa Police

Goa Police arrested three individuals for defrauding people into working for cybercrime centres in Thailand and planning to expand operations internationally. PANAJI: According to the Goa Police , three persons, including a Kazakh national of Chinese descent, have been taken into custody for allegedly defrauding people into working for cybercrime centres in Thailand. On March 26, the accused, named as 22-year-old Talaniti Nulaxi, was taken into custody at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. On that same day, authorities issued a lookout notice for him when he tried to leave the country, according to the police. Following the arrest of Adithya Ravichandran, 22, of Bengaluru, and his supervisor, Rupnarayan Gupta, 36, of Mumbai, who claimed to be operating an organization that assisted individuals in finding employment overseas, Goa Police located Nulaxi. Additionally, the gang hired victims to perpetrate forced financial fraud through WeChat, Zoom, Telegram, WhatsApp, and other social media sites. Rahul Gupta, the superintendent of Goa Police , stated that the gang held Zoom interviews and meetings to talk about how they operate. Adithya was employed by the second defendant, Rupnarayan Gupta, who owns and operates Ivanka, a Mumbai-based employment agency in Mulund West. The Ministry of External Affairs has not registered the agency to transport Indians overseas. According to Gupta, Rupnarayan forwards candidate data to recruiters overseas for interviews after receiving it from his national agents. During her five days in Bengaluru, Talaniti Nulaxi assisted with setting up a call centre. Chinese people are living in Thailand, Cambodia, and other places. They have a hierarchical, well-organized apparatus. He is a member of this wider network. Gupta added, “This is a component of the broader investigation that will continue over the next few days.” The inquiry also showed that the group was recruiting young women under the guise of “work from home,” who were subsequently used for extortion and honey traps, according to Goa’s Director General of Goa Police Alok Kumar. We are also looking into some information that has surfaced so far that suggests this group was considering opening contact centres in India, Nepal, and a few other nations they had identified that were comparable to those in Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Additionally, he was in negotiations to rent space in multi-story buildings for the same purpose, according to Alok Kumar.

Crackdown on digital fraud by the Indian government: What to anticipate soon

digital fraud

India is ramping up digital security by blocking millions of fraudulent SIM cards and accounts while implementing AI-driven measures to combat cybercrime. With cyber fraud on the rise, the Indian government has been intensifying its efforts to safeguard digital security. Over the past few months, they have reportedly blocked more than 7.8 lakh SIM cards, 83,000+ WhatsApp accounts, and 3,000+ Skype IDs. The government has also taken a firm stand against online threats. But what does this mean for the future of India’s cybersecurity? Government’s crackdown on digital fraud Sanjay Kumar, Minister of State for Home Bundi of the Union, has recientemente revealed in the Lok Sabha que India has imposed stringent medidas against ciberdelincuentes. In addition to outlawing fake SIM cards, the government has deactivated 2,08,469 IMEI numbers, which is a crucial step in preventing misuse of devices that have been damaged or obtained illegally. Tighter regulations on messaging and video platforms Currently, authorities focus on messaging and video chatting apps, which are frequently used for fraudulent purposes. Already, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has detected and blocked: 3,962 Skype IDs 83,668 WhatsApp accounts This action suggests that stricter regulations may be implemented in digital fraud communication networks to reduce abuse. I4C and the Future of Cybercrime Prevention I4C, which was established in 2021, has played a crucial role in preventing financial fraud. It has already contribution a salvaguardar Rs 4,389 crore on possible presides de mas de 13.36 lakh reclamations. As cryptocurrency develops, more cryptocurrency monetization systems driven by artificial intelligence and time after quick responses to digital fraud crimes are anticipated. What’s Next? AI-powered cybersecurity measures It is anticipated that the government will use AI-powered monitoring technologies to quickly identify questionable activity. Future initiatives may include:  Automated fraud detectors for telecommunications services financier’s  Mas strictest medias KYC (Know Your Customer) para la emission de SIM cards Citizen-centric cybersecurity In initiatives To enable a person to report and monitor cases of cyber fraud, the government has implemented: 1930’s National Cyber Helpline for prompt fraud reporting Sanchar Saathi Portal and app that enables users to block stolen devices and report fake calls India is moving closer to a more secure digital fraud future by putting these measures into place, which will give its citizens more protection against cyberattacks.

Uttarakhand Police Bust International Cybercrime Gang, Arrest Two

Uttarakhand Police

Uttarakhand Police arrested two cyber criminals involved in international fraud using fake business accounts and cryptocurrency transactions. The accused operated via Telegram, earning commissions by converting illicit funds into Indian currency. Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Police claimed to have busted a gang of international cybercriminals by arresting two of its members, including a trainer, who is a tenth pass out, officials said. The Special Task Force (STF) also found huge funds in the shape of cryptocurrency in the mobile phones of the accused. The accused Harjinder Singh and Sandeep Singh would provide fake business accounts to other cybercriminals to transact money and exchange funds with international gangs in cryptocurrencies. This comes weeks after the central government brought 540 Indians back from Myanmar, who were trafficked by a Chinese network of cyber criminals on the pretext of jobs in Thailand. At least 22 of the victims were from Uttarakhand Police, which prompted the state government police to form an STF under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Navneet Bhullar. Uttarakhand Police Following the joint probe with CBI and the Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), two persons, Harjinder Singh and Sandeep Singh, were arrested near Zila Panchayat Chungi on Thanon Road ahead of Maharana Pratap Chowk under the Raipur Police Station area. The STF team recovered one laptop, seven mobile handsets, one passport, two chequebooks, three debit cards, two PAN cards, one passbook, one stamp seal and four SBI bank forms stamped in the name of some firm from the possession of the accused. According to officials, Sandeep and Harjinder, both friends, would use Telegram to connect with criminals and open fake bank accounts under various firm names for cybercriminals to use for illegal transactions globally. Later, they would receive payments in cryptocurrency (USDT), take a 1% fee per transaction and convert it into Indian currency. “Over the past year, the accused made about Rs 1.2 crore in profit, including Rs 25 lakh in March alone,” officials added.

Government Implements Stricter Rules to Curb Child Sexual Abuse and Cybercrime Online

child sexual abuse

The Indian government is enhancing regulations to curb online child sexual abuse and cybercrime, with stricter rules for digital platforms. Measures include content removal, grievance redressal, and international collaboration. The Indian government is working harder to control internet content and stop the spreading of sexually graphic materials, especially when it comes to child sex abuse. Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways, Information & telecast, and Electronics & IT, told the Lok Sabha that some steps are being taken to guarantee a secure online environment under the Information Technology Act of 2000 and the IT Rules of 2021. The publication or transmission of pornographic material is already illegal under the Information Technology Act of 2000, with more severe penalties for content involving minors. Digital platforms, including social media intermediaries, must adhere to due diligence under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. They are no longer legally shielded from accountability for content hosted by third parties on their platforms if they don’t comply. Notably, major social media platforms that offer messaging services are now required to make it possible to identify the original creator of communications about offences like child sexual abuse , rape, or sexually explicit content. Intermediaries are also required to take down any content that shows someone having sex, exposing their private parts, or depicting nudity within 24 hours. The government has also established Grievance Appellate Committees to improve user grievance redressal, enabling users to challenge decisions made by social media companies on the removal the content of child sexual abuse. Controlling pornographic material on OTT platforms and in movies The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) still oversees public film screenings in the entertainment industry, making sure that adult material is categorized correctly following the Cinematograph Act of 1952 and its certification guidelines. The IT Rules, 2021, require OTT platforms to follow a code of ethics that includes limiting access to youngsters, classifying content according to age appropriateness, and implementing age verification for adult-rated content. The government’s multifaceted strategy to combat cybercrime The Indian government has taken several steps to fight cybercrime in addition to regulating content of child sexual abuse. National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: The Ministry of Home Affairs has a website called www.cybercrime.gov.in where anyone can report any kind of cybercrime, with a concentration on crimes against minors. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): a specialized organization that plans actions to combat online crimes, such as child exploitation of child sexual abuse. Financial aid for cybercrime prevention: Under the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) program, the government has provided funding to states and Union Territories so they can set up cyber forensic labs and provide law enforcement training. Blocking CSAM websites: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Interpol provide information that is used to periodically block websites that include child sexual abuse material (CSAM). ISPs are also required to dynamically block certain websites using lists provided by Project Arachnid (Canada) and the Internet Watch Foundation (UK). Parental control and awareness initiatives: Internet service providers have been asked to advertise parental control filters, and the government is running awareness campaigns on cybercrime through educational handbooks, radio broadcasts, and the @CyberDost Twitter handle. International collaboration: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), USA, has teamed with India’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to gather information on online child exploitation. These reports are subsequently forwarded to states and Union Territories for additional action.