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Showing posts with label Online fraud. Show all posts
User Security
Brushing Scam Cyber Fraud Fake Reviews Online fraud User Security

Security Experts Warn of Brushing Scam Involving Unsolicited Packages

 

Online shopping is something that we all love. It is time-efficient, convenient, and frequently results in the best offers and savings. However, since many people are busy with online shopping, con artists are also trying to find ways to trick consumers for their own benefit. You see, the majority of us base our decisions on whether or not to purchase anything from an online retailer on product reviews and ratings. 

According to reports, scammers are using popularity and review manipulation to create phoney sales in a new scheme known as the "Brushing Scam.” 

Modus operandi 

The brushing scam is a fraudulent online practice when con artists deliver fake products to victims and then write reviews online using their identities. Chinese e-commerce tactics known as "brushing" are where sellers fabricate orders and reviews to boost their product ratings.

In this fraudulent campaign, random e-commerce site consumers receive unsolicited deliveries from vendors. These parcels frequently include low-quality, inexpensive products like seeds, tiny devices, or costume jewellery. After the delivery is delivered, the con artists use the recipient's name to write five-star reviews on the product page, which increases the product's visibility and creates a false sense of popularity on websites like Amazon and AliExpress. 

Targeting unsuspecting users

This scam, according to the McAfee investigation, aims to manipulate sales data and give the impression that there is a demand for and quality of products on e-commerce platforms. 

This method is misleading to genuine customers, who are therefore influenced to buy products based on phoney reviews rather than real customer reviews. How dangerous can it be, though, if users are receiving free goods? Through this scam, con artists are taking advantage of your personal data, and if you don't take any safeguards, they may even steal your money. 

As previously stated, scammers increase the popularity of products by sending unwanted deliveries using the identities and addresses of naïve e-commerce users. And they can get this information through data breaches or illegal purchases of private data. Receiving such a package could mean that your personal information has been stolen, presenting serious concerns such as identity theft and other privacy crimes. 

Beside from identity theft and misleading reviews, ABC Action News reports that many unwanted parcels now include QR codes inviting recipients to scan them. Scammers send tempting deals such as, "Scan this QR code to leave a review and win a $500 gift card." Scanning these QR codes may lead to fraudulent websites that attempt to steal sensitive information or install malware on your device. The stolen personal information can subsequently be exploited for financial theft or phishing attempts.
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Telecom Firm
Cyber Crime France GSMA Online fraud Telecom Firm

French Telecom Companies Band Together to Combat Rising Fraud

 

The four leading mobile network carriers (MNOs) in France have teamed up to combat identity theft and online fraud. To help online companies fight fraud and digital identity theft, Bouygues Telecom, Free, Orange, and SFR announced on December 3 that they will introduce two network Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs) for the French market in the first half of 2025. This initiative is part of the Open Gateway system of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA).

About GSMA

The GSMA, a trade association representing the global interests of mobile operators, was established in 1995. As of 2024, it has more than 750 members. In 2023, the GSMA launched the Open Gateway Initiative, aiming to create digital solutions that work seamlessly across devices, regardless of the nation or operator.

Since its inception, the program has onboarded 67 mobile network operators (MNOs) and 26 channel partners, representing 278 networks and covering three-quarters of global mobile connections. Developers can access these network capabilities via APIs through the CAMARA repository, an open-source initiative by the Linux Foundation.

“This aligned market launch of CAMARA APIs from France’s leading operators will make it easier to keep people safe from the growing threat of fraud. The initiative benefits businesses, mobile operators, and their customers, saving developers time, money, and effort while allowing for the quick launch of innovative new services.”

— Henry Calvert, Head of Networks at the GSMA

Role of APIs in Mitigating Fraud

1. KYC Match API

Purpose: Cross-check user-provided information with verified data stored by the mobile network operator during the Know Your Customer (KYC) process.

The KYC Match API validates details such as mobile phone numbers, names, postal codes, and email addresses, without transferring any personally identifiable information (PII).

France is the first country to have all its national MNOs adopt KYC Match. Several financial institutions, including Crédit Agricole's online subsidiary BforBank and Credit Mutuel Arkéa's Fortuneo, are already utilizing this API in collaboration with DQE Software to screen new customers.

2. SIM Swap API

Purpose: Detect recent SIM card changes to prevent account takeover fraud.

This API checks if a phone number has recently had its SIM card swapped, helping financial institutions verify the relationship between a customer’s phone number and their SIM card during transactions.

Use Case: This helps prevent fraudsters from using stolen personal data and social engineering tactics to take over accounts.

“For example, at the time of a financial transaction, a financial institution can check whether the relationship between the customer’s phone number and SIM Card has been recently changed, helping them decide whether to approve the transaction or not.”

What’s Next?

Following the launch of KYC Match and SIM Swap APIs, French MNOs plan to release a third API, Number Verification, which will provide robust authentication for mobile numbers, potentially replacing SMS-based multi-factor authentication (MFA) solutions.

Key Benefits of These APIs

  • Enhanced Security: Protects users from identity theft and account takeover.
  • Operational Efficiency: Saves businesses and developers time and resources.
  • Improved Fraud Detection: Strengthens verification processes without compromising user privacy.

By adopting these APIs, French mobile carriers are setting a global benchmark for digital security and fraud prevention, making online interactions safer and more secure for businesses and consumers alike.

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telecommunications
AI Scams AI tools Cyber Security CyberCrime Fake Documents financial scams Fraud Online fraud SE Asia SIM telecommunications

Tamil Nadu Police, DoT Target SIM Card Fraud in SE Asia with AI Tools

 

The Cyber Crime Wing of Tamil Nadu Police, in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is intensifying efforts to combat online fraud by targeting thousands of pre-activated SIM cards used in South-East Asian countries, particularly Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. These SIM cards have been linked to numerous cybercrimes involving fraudulent calls and scams targeting individuals in Tamil Nadu. 

According to police sources, investigators employed Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to identify pre-activated SIM cards registered with fake documents in Tamil Nadu but active in international locations. These cards were commonly used by scammers to commit fraud by making calls to unsuspecting victims in the State. The scams ranged from fake online trading opportunities to fraudulent credit or debit card upgrades. A senior official in the Cyber Crime Wing explained that a significant discrepancy was observed between the number of subscribers who officially activated international roaming services and the actual number of SIM cards being used abroad. 

The department is now working closely with central agencies to detect and block suspicious SIM cards.  The use of AI has proven instrumental in identifying mobile numbers involved in a disproportionately high volume of calls into Tamil Nadu. Numbers flagged by AI analysis undergo further investigation, and if credible evidence links them to cybercrimes, the SIM cards are promptly deactivated. The crackdown follows a series of high-profile scams that have defrauded individuals of significant amounts of money. 

For example, in Madurai, an advocate lost ₹96.57 lakh in June after responding to a WhatsApp advertisement promoting international share market trading with high returns. In another case, a government doctor was defrauded of ₹76.5 lakh through a similar investment scam. Special investigation teams formed by the Cyber Crime Wing have been successful in arresting several individuals linked to these fraudulent activities. Recently, a team probing ₹38.28 lakh frozen in various bank accounts apprehended six suspects. 

Following their interrogation, two additional suspects, Abdul Rahman from Melur and Sulthan Abdul Kadar from Madurai, were arrested. Authorities are also collaborating with police in North Indian states to apprehend more suspects tied to accounts through which the defrauded money was transacted. Investigations are ongoing in multiple cases, and the police aim to dismantle the network of fraudsters operating both within India and abroad. 

These efforts underscore the importance of using advanced technology like AI to counter increasingly sophisticated cybercrime tactics. By addressing vulnerabilities such as fraudulent SIM cards, Tamil Nadu’s Cyber Crime Wing is taking significant steps to protect citizens and mitigate financial losses.
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Social media identity theft
Costa Rica cybercrime Cyber Fraud Cybercrime Prevention Digital Security identity theft protection Online fraud Social media identity theft

Costa Rican Authorities Issue Warning as Social Media Identity Theft Cases Double

 

With the rapid evolution of technology, there has been a concerning rise in cybercrime, particularly in the realm of identity theft on social media platforms. The Cybercrime Unit of the Public Prosecutor's Office has observed a significant surge in such cases, prompting heightened attention to this growing threat.

Esteban Aguilar, the lead prosecutor of the Cybercrime Unit, shed light on the methods employed by cybercriminals to carry out identity theft. He explained that these crimes often target individuals, corporations, and even trademarks, using social networks, websites, or other digital platforms as their primary vehicles. Aguilar highlighted the severity of this issue, noting that identity theft has become the second most rapidly increasing form of cybercrime in the country, trailing only behind cyber fraud in its expansion.

The prosecutor emphasized the gravity of the situation by discussing the legal repercussions associated with identity theft. According to Aguilar, the Cybercrime Unit frequently receives reports of false profiles on social networks, which can lead to serious legal consequences, including imprisonment for up to three years. He stressed the importance of educating young people, who are the most active users of social media, on the legal and ethical responsibilities they must uphold online. Aguilar warned that any involvement in such illicit activities could result in severe penalties.

Statistical data from the Public Prosecutor's Office further underscore the growing concern. Since 2019, the number of identity theft cases has nearly doubled, rising from 449 reported incidents that year to 950 cases in 2023. This sharp increase reflects the escalating nature of cyber threats and the need for stronger measures to combat them.

The Costa Rican Penal Code specifically addresses the crime of identity theft, prescribing imprisonment ranging from one to three years for offenders. The law is clear: anyone who impersonates the identity of a natural person, legal entity, or trademark on any social network, website, or digital platform will face serious legal consequences.

The impact of identity theft has not been limited to individuals. Businesses, too, have been affected, with several high-profile companies falling victim to this crime. For instance, Pozuelo, a well-known cookie brand, has issued warnings to the public about fraudulent schemes where criminals have misappropriated the company's identity. Similarly, financial institutions, including banks, have alerted their customers to various scams designed to exploit their trust.

In a particularly alarming development, the country recently reported its first case of identity theft involving social networks. The case involves a man accused of accessing his ex-girlfriend's social media accounts and business profiles without her permission. According to the Prosecutor's Office, the accused had knowledge of her passwords and used them to infiltrate her personal and business accounts, raising serious concerns about privacy and the misuse of personal information.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of cybercrime, particularly identity theft, and the urgent need for vigilance, both online and offline. As technology continues to advance, so too must the efforts to protect individuals and businesses from the growing threat of cybercriminals.

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Online fraud
Bengaluru Cyber bullying Cyber Crime Extortion Goa Online fraud

Bengaluru Man Arrested for Exploiting Woman in Online Interview

 



Panaji: In a disturbing cybercrime case, the Goa Cyber Crime Police arrested a Bengaluru resident, Mohan Raj V, for allegedly cyberbullying and extorting a woman from Goa. The arrest was made on Saturday after a strategic operation by the police team.

The case began when the victim, a woman from Goa, filed a complaint with the cyber crime police. She reported that the accused had posted a fake job advertisement for a position at a foreign bank. Responding to the advertisement, the woman was contacted via a chatting app by the accused, who arranged an online interview. During the video call, individuals posing as company representatives coerced the woman into undressing. They recorded the video and took screenshots, which were later used to blackmail her.

According to the complaint, the accused demanded sexual favours in exchange for deleting the compromising material. Over the past two months, he persistently harassed the woman, threatening to make the videos and pictures public if she did not comply. He also demanded that she meet him in Bengaluru.

Following the complaint, the police, led by Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta, devised a plan to apprehend the accused. A team, including the victim, travelled to Bengaluru and laid a trap. After extensive efforts and a lengthy chase, the accused was caught when he arrived to meet the victim. The police recovered the chats and videos from the accused's phone, which will be sent for a cyber forensic examination.

The investigation revealed that Mohan Raj V used VPN phone numbers to create fake Telegram accounts and post fraudulent job offers. He targeted women by promising high salary packages and conducting fake online interviews.

The accused has confessed to his crimes and has been booked under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including section 354A (sexual harassment), section 384 (extortion), and relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act. The case is being further investigated by Police Inspector Deepak Pednekar.

SP Rahul Gupta urged the public to verify the authenticity of online job offers through local or cyber police stations before engaging with them. He also cautioned against complying with unethical online demands, no matter the promised benefits.

This case highlights the growing menace of cybercrime and the importance of vigilance in online interactions. The Goa Cyber Crime Police's successful operation furthers the cause for robust cyber security measures and public awareness to prevent such incidents.



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unauthorised access
Cyber Fraud Financial crime Financial Loss Information Technology Online fraud Online Scam OTP unauthorised access

E-Challan Fraud, Man Loses Rs 50,000 Despite Not Sharing Bank OTP

 

In a cautionary tale from Thane, a 41-year-old man, M.R. Bhosale, found himself embroiled in a sophisticated online scam after his father fell victim to a deceptive text message. The incident sheds light on the dangers of trusting unknown sources and underscores the importance of vigilance in the digital age. 

Bhosale's father, a diligent auto-rickshaw driver in Ghatkopar, received a seemingly official text message from the Panvel Traffic Police, notifying him of a traffic violation challan against his vehicle. The message directed him to settle the fine through a designated app called Vahan Parivahan, with a provided download link. Unbeknownst to him, the message was a clever ruse orchestrated by scammers to dupe unsuspecting victims. 

When Bhosale's father encountered difficulties downloading the app, he sought his son's help. Little did they know, their attempt to rectify the situation would lead to financial loss and distress. Upon downloading the app on his device, Bhosale encountered a barrage of One-Time Passwords (OTPs), signalling a red flag. Sensing trouble, he promptly uninstalled the app. 

However, the damage had been done. A subsequent check of his bank statement revealed unauthorized transactions totalling Rs 50,000. With resolve, Bhosale wasted no time in reporting the incident to the authorities. A formal complaint was filed, detailing the deceptive mobile number, fraudulent link, and unauthorized transactions. 

In response, the police initiated an investigation, invoking sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act to pursue the perpetrators and recover the stolen funds. This unfortunate ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of online scams and the importance of exercising caution in the digital realm. To avoid falling victim to similar schemes, users must remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited messages or unfamiliar apps. 

Blind trust in unknown sources can lead to devastating consequences, as Bhosale's family discovered firsthand. Furthermore, it is essential to verify the authenticity of communications from purported official sources and refrain from sharing personal or financial information without thorough verification. 

In an era where online scams abound, skepticism and diligence are paramount. As the investigation unfolds, Bhosale's story serves as a cautionary tale for all internet users. By staying informed, exercising caution, and seeking assistance when in doubt, individuals can protect themselves from falling prey to online scams.
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scam tactics
Cyber Criminals Cyber Fraud Cyber Scam Cyber Threats CyberCrime Delhi cybercrime rise Delhi Police digital house arrest forged letterheads Fraud Online fraud police alert scam tactics

Delhi Police Alerts Citizens to New Cyber Scam

 

Authorities in Delhi are cautioning residents to remain vigilant against a recent surge in cyber fraud cases known as ‘digital house arrest,’ with over 200 incidents reported monthly in the capital.

Described as a serious threat by senior officials, this tactic employed by cybercriminals aims to coerce victims into parting with their money once ensnared in their schemes.

In this scheme, scammers posing as law enforcement officers deceive victims into believing their bank accounts, SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, or other linked documents have been compromised. The victims are then virtually confined to their homes and pressured into paying the scammers.

According to a senior officer from the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Delhi Police, cases involving amounts exceeding Rs 50 lakh are investigated by their specialized team.

In a recent case, a man preparing for work received a call from someone claiming to be from the Mumbai Crime Branch. The caller accused the victim of involvement in drug trafficking using his Aadhaar card and instructed him not to leave his house during a prolonged interrogation session. The victim, fearing repercussions, complied. Eventually, the scammers gained remote access to his computer, drained his bank account, and vanished.

These fraudsters often employ forged police letterheads and use translation tools to enhance their communication. They specifically target vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly. Victims are urged to immediately report such incidents to the police helpline for assistance.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), cybercrime cases in Delhi nearly doubled in 2022, with reported incidents increasing from 345 to 685. This marks a significant rise from the 166 cases reported in 2020.
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Paytm fraud
bank transaction fraud BSF Personnel Cyber Fraud Online Banking Online fraud online transactions Paytm Paytm fraud

Yoga Trainer Defrauded of Rs.94,998 in a Paytm Fraud


In a shocking incident of cyber fraud in Lucknow, India, a yoga trainer lost Rs. 94,998 from her bank account within five transactions that she made online. The victim claims to have been approached by the fraudsters impersonating a BSF personnel who requested to deposit the said amount to a Paytm account.

Sudha Swarnkar, a professional yoga teacher claims to have lost the whopping sum in only 20 minutes. After realizing she has been duped, the victim lodged a complaint to her local cybercrime unit of Lucknow police, with Ashiana police station.

Sudha’s father, Ghanshyam Swarnkar, who works at the information department condemned the police for their delay in investigation, emphasizing the fraudster managed to defraud the money in just 20 minutes with only five transactions, but the police is yet to take action on the matter even after one week since the incident.

Sharing details of the online fraud, Mr. Ghanshyam says that on July 15 his daughter was approached by the fraudster over the phone, claiming to be Pankaj Kumar Pandey, a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. The ‘BSF personnel’ offered her a role in the two-month-long yoga camp that will be sponsored by BSF in the Lucknow Cantonment area.

After giving more details on the yoga camp to build the victim’s trust, the fraudster asked her to deposit the fees that must be paid as a ‘hiring request’ through the Paytm account linked to her bank account. He claimed that the scammer sent her a Paytm request asking her to complete a Rs 2 transaction and pay the associated fees.

He further noted that the Paytm account showed the username as ‘Bitoli Devi,’ and when it seemed the money was debited, the transaction failed. Following this, at the request of the fraudsters, the victim repeated the transaction process again and again. By the time she realized what was going on, an amount of Rs 94,998 was already debited from her account through the five transactions that she made.

According to Mr. Ghanshyam, the phone number of the fraudster is still active, with him making calls to the victim actively. However, the police did not react to the complaint while confirming that the investigation on the matter is ongoing.

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