Romance scams are on the rise, with Santander reporting a staggering £3.8 million loss to fraudsters in the last six months. This represents a 27% increase compared to the previous period, with the average victim losing a significant £4,500. The bank warns that scammers target people of all ages, with victims ranging from 18 to 93 years old. This alarming trend highlights the importance of being vigilant and taking precautions to protect yourself from online scams.
WhatsApp directors and nodal officers in India are facing an FIR for their refusal to cooperate with a ₹4 crore fraud investigation. Gurugram police allege that the company failed to provide information on accounts linked to the case despite multiple requests, hindering the investigation. This action by the police highlights the ongoing tension between law enforcement agencies and tech companies regarding data access and cooperation.
The US Justice Department, in collaboration with international law enforcement, seized websites of illegal cryptocurrency exchanges allegedly supporting Russian money laundering networks. The operation targeted Russian nationals Sergey Ivanov and Timur Shakhmametov, who were charged with operating platforms like UAPS, PinPays, and PM2BTC, used by cybercriminals to launder funds from ransomware and darknet drug trafficking. The government’s action aims to combat the increasing use of cryptocurrencies in illicit activities.
A criminal organization has been apprehended for allegedly using Brad Pitt’s identity to deceive women online and extract significant sums of money. The group, targeting fans with promises of romance and investment opportunities, is a stark reminder of the dangers of online impersonation.
Two individuals, Malone Lam and Jeandiel Serrano, have been arrested and charged with stealing $230 million in cryptocurrency. The funds were allegedly used to finance a lavish lifestyle, including a spending spree. The case highlights the growing security concerns in the cryptocurrency space.
Two individuals, Malone Lam and Jeandiel Serrano, have been arrested by the FBI for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated scheme to steal and launder over $230 million worth of Bitcoin. The suspects are accused of using various techniques, including mixing services, ‘peel chains,’ and virtual private networks, to obscure their identities and spend the stolen funds on lavish expenses. The investigation, aided by on-chain detective ZachXBT, has led to the freezing of over $9 million and the recovery of more than $500,000 for the victim.
Two individuals have been arrested in connection with a sophisticated $243 million cryptocurrency heist targeting a Genesis creditor. The crime involved a complex social engineering scheme that exploited personal accounts and cryptocurrency platforms. Authorities were able to track the criminals’ movements and recover a portion of the stolen funds.
French prosecutors have placed Telegram CEO Pavel Durov under formal investigation for his alleged involvement in facilitating illegal activities on the platform. The investigation utilizes a new cybercrime law, LOPMI, which holds tech executives accountable for illicit actions on their platforms. Durov denies the allegations, claiming Telegram complies with EU laws. This case is significant as it tests the boundaries of the new LOPMI law and its international implications.
A Noida resident lost ₹27 lakh after falling victim to an eSIM scam. The scammer, posing as a telecom customer care executive, tricked the woman into switching to an eSIM and then accessed her bank accounts and drained them. The incident highlights the importance of being cautious about unsolicited calls and messages, especially those regarding new features or services. Experts recommend verifying the identity of anyone requesting sensitive information and avoiding sharing OTPs or passwords over the phone.
In a major crackdown on cybercrime, India’s Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecom have blocked 2.27 lakh mobile handsets and disconnected over 1 crore mobile connections suspected of involvement in fraudulent activities. The move comes as part of a broader effort to combat spam calls, financial scams, and other cyber threats.
