A fake ‘Lounge Pass’ app has scammed over 450 travelers out of ₹9 lakh (around $11,000) by stealing OTPs and accessing sensitive information. The app, circulated via WhatsApp, poses as a legitimate service for airport lounge access but is a dangerous new threat in the aviation sector.
A wave of bomb threats targeting Indian airlines has disrupted flights and caused widespread anxiety. Over 250 flights have received threats in the past 10 days, with authorities investigating the origin of these hoaxes. The government is planning strict measures, including placing perpetrators on the no-fly list and utilizing AI to combat the spread of threats on social media platforms.
Following a recent surge in bomb threats targeting Indian flights, the Indian government has taken decisive action. A virtual meeting with airline officials and social media platforms discussed new measures, including AI-based solutions to curb threats and stricter penalties for perpetrators.
Two Sudanese brothers have been charged by the US Department of Justice for their alleged involvement in a massive series of cyberattacks targeting hospitals and other organizations worldwide. The brothers are suspected of being behind the hacktivist group Anonymous Sudan, responsible for over 35,000 DDoS attacks. This case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the potential for significant harm, especially when critical infrastructure like hospitals is targeted.
A UN report reveals that Telegram, a popular encrypted messaging app, is being exploited by criminal networks in Southeast Asia for illicit activities like trading hacked data, selling cybercrime tools, and facilitating money laundering. This raises concerns about Telegram’s role in protecting user privacy and its potential for being used to facilitate criminal activities.
A government school teacher in Agra, India, died of a heart attack after receiving a threatening phone call from cyber fraudsters. The fraudsters claimed her daughter was involved in a sex scandal and demanded money to keep it quiet. This tragic incident highlights the growing problem of cybercrime and its devastating impact on individuals.
Payment aggregators PhonePe and Easebuzz are facing investigation by Delhi Police’s cybercrime unit for their alleged involvement in the Hibox scam. This elaborate scheme defrauded thousands of investors, lured by promises of high returns through a mobile app. The investigation has also implicated social media influencers and nearly 20 entities, raising concerns about the role of these platforms in facilitating financial fraud.
The Delhi Police have summoned YouTuber Elvish Yadav, comedian Bharti Singh, and three others in connection with a ₹500 crore app-based scam involving the HIBOX mobile application. The police received over 500 complaints alleging that several influencers and YouTubers promoted the app, promising high returns to investors. Sivaram, a resident of Chennai, has been arrested as the main accused, and ₹18 crore has been seized from his bank accounts. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities probing the roles of EASEBUZZ and PhonePe in facilitating the fraudulent transactions.
A Florida man’s parents were nearly scammed out of ₹25 lakhs by fraudsters who used AI to clone his voice and impersonate him in a fake car accident scenario. This incident highlights the growing threat of AI-powered scams and the need for regulations in the AI industry.
The Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh, working with Cambodian authorities, has successfully rescued 67 Indian nationals who were trapped in fraudulent job scams in Cambodia. The rescue operation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat fake job offers that lure individuals into cybercrime activities. The Embassy is now facilitating the repatriation of the victims, with several already returned to India and more expected to arrive in the coming days.
