WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram have once again become the favorite tools for hackers, as per a report released by India's Home Ministry (MHA).
According to the report, WhatsApp is still the most commonly utilized medium for cybercrime. Several examples of digital fraud were reported this year, with cybercriminals exploiting WhatsApp video calls to dupe people out of millions of rupees.
In the first quarter of 2024, 43,797 cybercrime complaints were received, with 22,680 attributed to WhatsApp, making it the most widely used platform for fraudulent activity. Telegram ranked second with 19,800 complaints. According to the MHA's Annual Report 2023-24, scammers rely extensively on Google services, particularly Google Ads, to carry out targeted scams, which expands the reach and impact of these frauds.
Additionally, Investment frauds continue to dominate, targeting individuals across the globe. Other common cybercrimes include money laundering frauds and digital fraud. Online criminals have also used Facebook ads in a systematic method to deliver fake landing apps to users' devices, worsening the situation.
I4C, the cybersecurity division of the Home Ministry, is working diligently to combat the rising tide of cybercrimes. Recently, the authorities blocked thousands of WhatsApp accounts. Cybercriminals exploited these accounts to carry out digital frauds against Indian individuals, and they were linked to international numbers.
WhatsApp is the world's most popular instant messaging platform, with more than 2.95 billion active users. Its popularity is unparalleled in India, with millions of daily active users. Its large user base makes it an appealing target for cybercriminals.While WhatsApp is a popular method of communication, users must be attentive and implement strong digital security measures to safeguard themselves from potential scams.