3.94 Lakhs And Counting: How Cyberattacks Are A Worry For Digital India

Introduction

The scam involving "drugs in parcels' has resurfaced again with a new face. Cybercriminals impersonating and acting as FedEx, Police and various other authorities and in actuality, they are the perpetrators or bad actors behind the renewed "drugs in parcel" scam, which entails pressuring victims into sending money and divulging private information in order to escape fictitious legal repercussions. 

Modus operandi  

The modus operandi followed in this scam usually begins with a hacker calling someone on their cell phone posing as FedEx. They say that they are the recipients of a package under their name that includes illegal goods like jewellery, narcotics, or other items. The victim would feel afraid and apprehensive by now. Then there will be a video call with someone else who is posing as a police officer. The victim will be asked to keep the matter confidential while it is being investigated by this "fake officer."

After the call, they would get falsified paperwork from the CBI and RBI stating that an arrest warrant had been issued. Once the victim has fallen entirely under their sway, they would claim that the victim's Aadhaar has been used to carry out the unlawful conduct. They then request that the victim submit their bank account information and Aadhaar data for investigation. Subsequently, the hackers request that the victim transfer funds to a bank account for RBI validation. The victims thus submit money to the hackers believing it to be true for clearing their name.

Recent incidence:

In the most recent instance of a "drug-in-parcel" scam, an IT expert in Pune was defrauded of Rs 27.9 lakh by internet con artists acting as members of the Mumbai police's Cyber Crime Cell. The victim filed the First Information Report (FIR) in this matter at the police station. The victim stated that on November 11, 2023, the complainant received a call from a fraudster posing as a Mumbai police Cyber Crime Cell officer. The scammer falsely claimed to have discovered illegal narcotics in a package addressed to the complainant sent from Mumbai to Taiwan, along with an expired passport and an SBI card. To avoid arrest in a fabricated drug case, the fraudster coerced the complainant into providing bank account information under the guise of "verification." The victim, fearing legal consequences, transferred Rs 27,98,776 in ten online transactions to two separate bank accounts as instructed. Upon realizing the deception, the complainant reported the incident to the police, leading to an investigation.

In another such incident, the victim received an online bogus identity card from the scammers who had phoned him on the phone in October 2023. In an attempt to "clear the case" and issue a "no-objection certificate (NOC)," the fraudster persuaded the victim to wire money to a bank account, claiming to have seized narcotics in a shipment shipped from Mumbai to Thailand under his name. Fraudsters threatened to arrest the victim for mailing the narcotics package if money was not provided. 

Furthermore, In August 2023, fraudsters acting as police officers and executives of courier companies defrauded a 25-year-old advertising student of Rs 53 lakh. They extorted money from her under the guise of avoiding legal action, which would include arrest, and informed her that narcotics had been discovered in a package she had delivered to Taiwan. According to the police, callers acting as police officers threatened to arrest the girl and forced her to complete up to 34 transactions totalling Rs 53.63 lakh from her and her mother's bank accounts to different bank accounts.

Measures to protect oneself from such scams

Call Verification: 

• Be sure to always confirm the legitimacy of unexpected calls, particularly those purporting to be from law enforcement or delivery services. Make use of official contact information obtained from reliable sources to confirm the information presented.

Confidentiality:

• Use caution while disclosing personal information online or over the phone, particularly Aadhaar and bank account information. In general, legitimate authorities don't ask for private information in this way.

Official Documentation: 

• Request official documents via the appropriate means. Make sure that any documents—such as arrest warrants or other government documents—are authentic by getting in touch with the relevant authorities.

No Haste in Transactions: 

• Proceed with caution when responding hastily to requests for money or quick fixes. Creating a sense of urgency is a common tactic used by scammers to coerce victims into acting quickly.

Knowledge and Awareness: 

• Remain up to date on common fraud schemes and frauds. Keep up with the most recent strategies employed by online fraudsters to prevent falling for fresh scam iterations.

Report Suspicious Activity: 

• Notify the local police or other appropriate authorities of any suspicious calls or activities. Reports received in a timely manner can help investigations and shield others from falling for the same fraud.

2fA:

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever you can to provide online accounts and transactions an additional degree of protection. This may lessen the chance of unwanted access.

Cybersecurity Software: 

• To defend against malware, phishing attempts, and other online risks, install and update reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on a regular basis.

Educate Friends and Family:

• Inform friends and family about typical scams and how to avoid falling victim to fraud. A safer online environment can be achieved through increased collective knowledge.

Be skeptical

• Whenever anything looks strange or too good to be true, it most often is. Trust your instincts. Prior to acting, follow your gut and confirm the information.

By taking these precautions and exercising caution, people may lessen their vulnerability to scams and safeguard their money and personal data from online fraudsters.

Conclusion:

Verifying calls, maintaining secrecy, checking official papers, transacting cautiously, and keeping up to date are all examples of protective measures for protecting ourselves from such scams. Using cybersecurity software, turning on two-factor authentication, and reporting suspicious activity are essential in stopping these types of frauds. Raising awareness and working together are essential to making the internet a safer place and resisting the activities of cybercriminals.

 References:

• https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/pune-cybercrime-drug-in-parcel-cyber-scam-it-duping-9058298/#:~:text=In%20August%20this%20year%2C%20a,avoiding%20legal%20action%20including%20arrest.
• https://www.the420.in/pune-it-professional-duped-of-rs-27-9-lakh-in-drug-in-parcel-scam/
• https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/oct/16/the-return-of-drugs-in-parcel-scam-2624323.html
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/2-techies-fall-prey-to-drug-parcel-scam/articleshow/102786234.cms

Introduction

The advent of AI-driven deepfake technology has facilitated the creation of explicit counterfeit videos for sextortion purposes. There has been an alarming increase in the use of Artificial Intelligence to create fake explicit images or videos for sextortion.

What is AI Sextortion and Deepfake Technology

AI sextortion refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, particularly deepfake algorithms, to create counterfeit explicit videos or images for the purpose of harassing, extorting, or blackmailing individuals. Deepfake technology utilises AI algorithms to manipulate or replace faces and bodies in videos, making them appear realistic and often indistinguishable from genuine footage. This enables malicious actors to create explicit content that falsely portrays individuals engaging in sexual activities, even if they never participated in such actions.

Background on the Alarming Increase in AI Sextortion Cases

Recently there has been a significant increase in AI sextortion cases. Advancements in AI and deepfake technology have made it easier for perpetrators to create highly convincing fake explicit videos or images. The algorithms behind these technologies have become more sophisticated, allowing for more seamless and realistic manipulations. And the accessibility of AI tools and resources has increased, with open-source software and cloud-based services readily available to anyone. This accessibility has lowered the barrier to entry, enabling individuals with malicious intent to exploit these technologies for sextortion purposes.

The proliferation of sharing content on social media

The proliferation of social media platforms and the widespread sharing of personal content online have provided perpetrators with a vast pool of potential victims’ images and videos. By utilising these readily available resources, perpetrators can create deepfake explicit content that closely resembles the victims, increasing the likelihood of success in their extortion schemes.

Furthermore, the anonymity and wide reach of the internet and social media platforms allow perpetrators to distribute manipulated content quickly and easily. They can target individuals specifically or upload the content to public forums and pornographic websites, amplifying the impact and humiliation experienced by victims.

What are law agencies doing?

The alarming increase in AI sextortion cases has prompted concern among law enforcement agencies, advocacy groups, and technology companies. This is high time to make strong Efforts to raise awareness about the risks of AI sextortion, develop detection and prevention tools, and strengthen legal frameworks to address these emerging threats to individuals’ privacy, safety, and well-being.

There is a need for Technological Solutions, which develops and deploys advanced AI-based detection tools to identify and flag AI-generated deepfake content on platforms and services. And collaboration with technology companies to integrate such solutions.

Collaboration with Social Media Platforms is also needed. Social media platforms and technology companies can reframe and enforce community guidelines and policies against disseminating AI-generated explicit content. And can ensure foster cooperation in developing robust content moderation systems and reporting mechanisms.

There is a need to strengthen the legal frameworks to address AI sextortion, including laws that specifically criminalise the creation, distribution, and possession of AI-generated explicit content. Ensure adequate penalties for offenders and provisions for cross-border cooperation.

Proactive measures to combat AI-driven sextortion

Prevention and Awareness: Proactive measures raise awareness about AI sextortion, helping individuals recognise risks and take precautions.

Early Detection and Reporting: Proactive measures employ advanced detection tools to identify AI-generated deepfake content early, enabling prompt intervention and support for victims.

Legal Frameworks and Regulations: Proactive measures strengthen legal frameworks to criminalise AI sextortion, facilitate cross-border cooperation, and impose offender penalties.

Technological Solutions: Proactive measures focus on developing tools and algorithms to detect and remove AI-generated explicit content, making it harder for perpetrators to carry out their schemes.

International Cooperation: Proactive measures foster collaboration among law enforcement agencies, governments, and technology companies to combat AI sextortion globally.

Support for Victims: Proactive measures provide comprehensive support services, including counselling and legal assistance, to help victims recover from emotional and psychological trauma.

Implementing these proactive measures will help create a safer digital environment for all.

Misuse of Technology

Misusing technology, particularly AI-driven deepfake technology, in the context of sextortion raises serious concerns.

Exploitation of Personal Data: Perpetrators exploit personal data and images available online, such as social media posts or captured video chats, to create AI- manipulation violates privacy rights and exploits the vulnerability of individuals who trust that their personal information will be used responsibly.

Facilitation of Extortion: AI sextortion often involves perpetrators demanding monetary payments, sexually themed images or videos, or other favours under the threat of releasing manipulated content to the public or to the victims’ friends and family. The realistic nature of deepfake technology increases the effectiveness of these extortion attempts, placing victims under significant emotional and financial pressure.

Amplification of Harm: Perpetrators use deepfake technology to create explicit videos or images that appear realistic, thereby increasing the potential for humiliation, harassment, and psychological trauma suffered by victims. The wide distribution of such content on social media platforms and pornographic websites can perpetuate victimisation and cause lasting damage to their reputation and well-being.

Targeting teenagers– Targeting teenagers and extortion demands in AI sextortion cases is a particularly alarming aspect of this issue. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to AI sextortion due to their increased use of social media platforms for sharing personal information and images. Perpetrators exploit to manipulate and coerce them.

Erosion of Trust: Misusing AI-driven deepfake technology erodes trust in digital media and online interactions. As deepfake content becomes more convincing, it becomes increasingly challenging to distinguish between real and manipulated videos or images.

Proliferation of Pornographic Content: The misuse of AI technology in sextortion contributes to the proliferation of non-consensual pornography (also known as “revenge porn”) and the availability of explicit content featuring unsuspecting individuals. This perpetuates a culture of objectification, exploitation, and non-consensual sharing of intimate material.

Conclusion

Addressing the concern of AI sextortion requires a multi-faceted approach, including technological advancements in detection and prevention, legal frameworks to hold offenders accountable, awareness about the risks, and collaboration between technology companies, law enforcement agencies, and advocacy groups to combat this emerging threat and protect the well-being of individuals online.

Introduction

The recent events in Mira Road, a bustling suburb on the outskirts of Mumbai, India, unfold like a modern-day parable, cautioning us against the perils of unverified digital content. The Mira Road incident, a communal clash that erupted into the physical realm, has been mirrored and magnified through the prism of social media. The Maharashtra Police, in a concerted effort to quell the spread of discord, issued stern warnings against the dissemination of rumours and fake messages. These digital phantoms, they stressed, have the potential to ignite law and order conflagrations, threatening the delicate tapestry of peace.

The police's clarion call came in the wake of a video, mischievously edited, that falsely claimed anti-social elements had set the Mira Road railway station ablaze. This digital doppelgänger of reality swiftly went viral, its tendrils reaching into the ubiquitous realm of WhatsApp, ensnaring the unsuspecting in its web of deceit.

In this age of information overload, where the line between fact and fabrication blurs, the police urged citizens to exercise discernment. The note they issued was not merely an advisory but a plea for vigilance, a reminder that the act of sharing unauthenticated messages is not a passive one; it is an act that can disturb the peace and unravel the fabric of society.

The Massacre 

The police's response to this crisis was multifaceted. Administrators and members of social media groups found to be the harbingers of such falsehoods would face legal repercussions. The Thane District, a mosaic of cultural and religious significance, has been marred by a series of violent incidents, casting a shadow over its storied history. The police, in their role as guardians of order, have detained individuals, scoured social media for inauthentic posts, and maintained a vigilant presence in the region.

The Maharashtra cyber cell, a digital sentinel, has unearthed approximately 15 posts laden with videos and messages designed to sow discord among the masses. These findings were shared with the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar (MBVV) police, who stand ready to take appropriate action. Inspector General Yashasvi Yadav of the Maharashtra cyber cell issued an appeal to the public, urging them to refrain from circulating such unverified messages, reinforcing the notion that the propagation of inauthentic information is, in itself, a crime.

The MBVV police, in their zero-tolerance stance, have formed a team dedicated to scrutinizing social media posts. The message is clear: fake news will be met with strict action. The right to free speech on social media comes with the responsibility not to share information that could incite mischief. The Indian Penal Code and Information Technology Act serve as the bulwarks against such transgressions.

The Aftermath 

In the aftermath of the clashes, the police have worked tirelessly to restore calm. A young man, whose video replete with harsh and obscene language went viral, was apprehended and has since apologised for his actions. The MBVV police have also taken to social media to reassure the public that the situation is under control, urging them to avoid circulating messages that could exacerbate tensions.

The Thane district has witnessed acts of vandalism targeting shops, further escalating tensions. In response, the police have apprehended individuals linked to these acts, hoping that such measures will expedite the return of peace. Advisories have been issued, warning against the dissemination of provocative messages and rumours.

In total, 19 individuals have been taken into custody in relation to numerous incidents of violence. The Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar police have underscored their commitment to legal action against those who spread rumours through fake messages. The authorities have also highlighted the importance of brotherhood and unity, reminding citizens that above all, they are Indians first.

Conclusion 

In a world where old videos, stripped of context, can fuel tensions, the police have issued a note referring to the aforementioned fake video message. They urge citizens to exercise caution, to neither believe nor circulate such messages. Police Authorities have assured that no one involved in the violence will be spared, and peace committees are being convened to restore harmony. The Mira Road incident serves as a sign of the prowess of information and responsibility that comes with it. In the digital age, where the ephemeral and the eternal collide, we must navigate the waters of truth with care. Ultimately, it is not just the image of a locality that is at stake, but the essence of our collective humanity.

References 

• https://youtu.be/gK2Ac1qP-nE?feature=shared
• https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-crime-news/article/mira-road-communal-clash-those-spreading-fake-messages-to-face-strict-action-say-mira-bhayandar-vasai-virar-cops-23331572
• https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mira-road-communal-clash-cybercops-on-alert-for-fake-clips-23331653
• https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/01/24/bom43-mh-shops-3rdld-vandalism.html

‍