#FactCheck - The video of Virat Kohli promoting online casino mobile app is a deep fake.

Introduction

A disturbing trend of courier-related cyber scams has emerged, targeting unsuspecting individuals across India. In these scams, fraudsters pose as officials from reputable organisations, such as courier companies or government departments like the narcotics bureau. Using sophisticated social engineering tactics, they deceive victims into divulging personal information and transferring money under false pretences. Recently, a woman IT professional from Mumbai fell victim to such a scam, losing Rs 1.97 lakh.

Instances of courier-related cyber scams

Recently, two significant cases of courier-related cyber scams have surfaced, illustrating the alarming prevalence of such fraudulent activities.

1. Case in Delhi: A doctor in Delhi fell victim to an online scam, resulting in a staggering loss of approximately Rs 4.47 crore. The scam involved fraudsters posing as representatives of a courier company. They informed the doctor about a seized package and requested substantial money for verification purposes. Tragically, the doctor trusted the callers and lost substantial money.
2. Case in Mumbai: In a strikingly similar incident, an IT professional from Mumbai, Maharashtra, lost Rs 1.97 lakh to cyber fraudsters pretending to be officials from the narcotics department. The fraudsters contacted the victim, claiming her Aadhaar number was linked to the criminals’ bank accounts. They coerced the victim into transferring money for verification through deceptive tactics and false evidence, resulting in a significant financial loss.

These recent cases highlight the growing threat of courier-related cyber scams and the devastating impact they can have on unsuspecting individuals. It emphasises the urgent need for increased awareness, vigilance, and preventive measures to protect oneself from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.

Nature of the Attack

The cyber scam typically begins with a fraudulent call from someone claiming to be associated with a courier company. They inform the victim that their package is stuck or has been seized, escalating the situation by involving law enforcement agencies, such as the narcotics department. The fraudsters manipulate victims by creating a sense of urgency and fear, convincing them to download communication apps like Skype to establish credibility. Fabricated evidence and false claims trick victims into sharing personal information, including Aadhaar numbers, and coercing them to make financial transactions for verification purposes.

‍Best Practices to Stay Safe

To protect oneself from courier-related cyber scams and similar frauds, individuals should follow these best practices:

• Verify Calls and Identity: Be cautious when receiving calls from unknown numbers. Verify the caller’s identity by cross-checking with relevant authorities or organisations before sharing personal information.
• Exercise Caution with Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as Aadhaar numbers, bank account details, or passwords, over the phone or through messaging apps unless necessary and with trusted sources.
• Beware of Urgency and Threats: Scammers often create a sense of urgency or threaten legal consequences to manipulate victims. Remain vigilant and question any unexpected demands for money or personal information.
• Double-Check Suspicious Claims: If contacted by someone claiming to be from a government department or law enforcement agency, independently verify their credentials by contacting the official helpline or visiting the department’s official website.
• Educate and Spread Awareness: Share information about these scams with friends, family, and colleagues to raise awareness and collectively prevent others from falling victim to such frauds.

Legal Remedies

In case of falling victim to a courier-related cyber scam, individuals can sort to take the following legal actions:

1. File a First Information Report (FIR): In case of falling victim to a courier-related cyber scam or any similar online fraud, individuals have legal options available to seek justice and potentially recover their losses. One of the primary legal actions that can be taken is to file a First Information Report (FIR) with the local police. The following sections of Indian law may be applicable in such cases:
2. Section 419 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC): This section deals with the offence of cheating by impersonation. It states that whoever cheats by impersonating another person shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with a fine, or both.
3. Section 420 of the IPC: This section covers the offence of cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. It states that whoever cheats and thereby dishonestly induces the person deceived to deliver any property shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to pay a fine.
4. Section 66(C) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000: This section deals with the offence of identity theft. It states that whoever, fraudulently or dishonestly, makes use of the electronic signature, password, or any other unique identification feature of any other person shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to pay a fine.
5. Section 66(D) of the IT Act, 2000 pertains to the offence of cheating by personation by using a computer resource. It states that whoever, by means of any communication device or computer resource, cheats by personating shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to pay a fine.
6. National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal- One powerful resource available to victims is the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, equipped with a 24×7 helpline number, 1930. This portal serves as a centralised platform for reporting cybercrimes, including financial fraud.

Conclusion:

The rise of courier-related cyber scams demands increased vigilance from individuals to protect themselves against fraud. Heightened awareness, caution, and scepticism when dealing with unknown callers or suspicious requests are crucial. By following best practices, such as verifying identities, avoiding sharing sensitive information, and staying updated on emerging scams, individuals can minimise the risk of falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. Furthermore, spreading awareness about such scams and promoting cybersecurity education will play a vital role in creating a safer digital environment for everyone.

Introduction

In the dynamic realm of online gaming, where virtual worlds and competitive landscapes converge, ensuring the safety of players has become an imperative task. As the digital gaming community expands, so do the challenges of navigating potential risks and threats. There is a need for crucial strategies and measures aimed at safeguarding players and fostering a secure environment where gamers can fully immerse themselves in their passion without compromising their well-being. Online gaming, a thriving industry, makes gamers attractive targets for cyber theft, including account takeovers (ATO). ATO involves stealing characters, inventory, in-game currencies, achievements, and skins, with high-level accounts as prime targets. Gamers face real-life consequences as fraud within games can compromise personal information, including location, credentials, credit card details, and more. Protecting oneself involves maintaining privacy in sharing information, enabling two-factor authentication, and employing strong, unique passwords with security solutions that provide additional safeguards for an uninterrupted gaming experience.

Online Gaming Carries The Following Major Risks

Viruses and malware: Searching for less expensive or free downloads of your preferred games puts you in danger of accidentally downloading malware and viruses.

Theft of identity: Hackers gather information that is personally identifiable to create victimised identities. The chat feature is one of the possible risks of playing video games online with random people.

Invasion of a profile: It's not advisable to use an identical password and username across all of your preferred video game platforms since if hackers manage to obtain your login information, they may hack all of your player accounts and perhaps take control of them.

Swatting and doxing: Doxxing is the practice of hackers publishing your residential location or telephone number online after obtaining your private data. Swatting is a dangerous harassment tactic originating from online gaming, involving false emergency reports to provoke an excessive police response at the unsuspecting victim's location.

How Hacking Poses Serious Risks to Online Gaming Security

The video game industry has experienced rapid growth in recent times, catering to millions of players throughout the globe who relish an extensive array of engaging adventures. But because of its widespread use, hackers are now more likely to target it in an attempt to take advantage of its weaknesses.

Hackers are drawn to the gaming business for a number of reasons.

Due to its enormous income potential, this sector is an appealing option for investment. Players' large audience offers a treasure trove of private data that can be used for fraudulent transactions and other nefarious activities. Because of its high exposure, the sector is a tempting target for attackers looking to achieve recognition or make an impression. Customers wish to add modifications, cheats, or other external software to their contest, which increases the threat. In this sector, there is fierce competition, and winners take home large cash awards. This encourages players to use DDoS attacks to their advantage in order to outperform their rivals.

Importance of Secure Servers

Upgrade server applications and Modifications

Maintaining the most recent versions of all server software is a basic step in gaming server security. Updates and patches are regularly released by developers to address security flaws, therefore it's imperative to install them right away. If you ignore updates, your server becomes vulnerable to known vulnerabilities and a prime target for cybercriminals.

Put Strict Access Controls in Place

It is essential to manage who has permission to access your gaming system to avoid violations and unwanted access. Use strong password regulations and mandate complicated passwords for administrators on the system.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) into place

Restrict access rights to those who need them for administrative tasks to lessen the possibility of unlicensed individuals taking over a server.Safety Measures Players should be urged to adhere to best practices, which include:

Using secure passwords.

Avoid clicking on dubious links.

Updating software & apps regularly.

Upgrading antivirus software regularlyImproving cybersecurity practices and bringing attention to possible risks can greatly improve the general population's safety in gaming.

Conclusion

The internet gaming industry's rapid expansion has resulted in increased security threats in addition to recreation. Players confront various threats, including growing hacking attempts, sensitive information leaks, malware, identity theft, and doxing. To reduce these dangers, secure servers are essential. They emphasise the importance of frequent upgrades, restricting access, and user training. It becomes essential to enable security measures to keep ahead of emerging dangers. Enhancing safety measures guarantees a more secure gaming environment, safeguarding the large population that participates in this quickly changing digital space.

References

‍https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unlocking-power-player-behavior-analysis-anybraingg/?trk=organization_guest_main-feed-card_feed-article-content

‍https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/top-10-online-gaming-risks

‍https://www.imperva.com/blog/cyber-attacks-gaming-industry/

‍https://www.techslang.com/securing-gaming-servers-cybersecurity-best-practices-for-online-gaming-communities/

‍https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/1/13/16888710/barris-swatting-death-charges

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Introduction

In the face of escalating cybercrimes in India, criminals are adopting increasingly inventive methods to deceive victims. Imagine opening your phone to the notification of an incoming message from a stranger with a friendly introduction - a beginning that appears harmless, but is the beginning of an awful financial nightmare. "Pig Butchering '' scam—an increasingly sophisticated form of deception that's gaining more widespread popularity. Unlike any other scams, this one plays a long game, spinning a web of trust before it strikes. It's a modern-day financial thriller happening in the real world, with real victims. "pig butchering" scam, involves building trust through fake profiles and manipulating victims emotionally to extort money. The scale of such scams has raised concerns, emphasising the need for awareness and vigilance in the face of evolving cyber threats.

How does 'Pig Butchering' Scam Work? 

At its core, the scam starts innocuously, often with a stranger reaching out via text, social media, or apps like WhatsApp or WeChat. The scammer, hiding behind a well-crafted and realistic online persona, seeks to forge a connection. This could be under the pretence of friendship or romance, employing fake photos and stories to seem authentic. Gradually, the scammer builds a rapport, engaging in personal and often non-financial conversations. They may portray themselves as a widow, single parent, or even a military member to evoke empathy and trust. Over time, this connection pivots to investment opportunities, with the scammer presenting lucrative tips or suggestions in stocks or cryptocurrencies. Initially, modest investments are encouraged, and falsified returns are shown to lure in larger sums. Often, the scammer claims affiliation with a profitable financial institution or success in cryptocurrency trading. They direct victims to specific, usually fraudulent, trading platforms under their control. The scam reaches its peak when significant investments are made, only for the scammer to manipulate the situation, block access to the trading platform, or vanish, leaving the victim with substantial losses. 

Real-Life Examples and Global Reach

These scams are not confined to one region. In India, for instance, scammers use emotional manipulation, often starting with a WhatsApp message from an unknown, attractive individual. They pose as professionals offering part-time jobs, leading victims through tasks that escalate in investment and complexity. These usually culminate in cryptocurrency investments, with victims unable to withdraw their funds, the money often traced to accounts in Dubai. 

In the West, several cases highlight the scam's emotional and financial toll: A Michigan woman was lured by an online boyfriend claiming to make money from gold trading. She invested through a fake brokerage, losing money while being emotionally entangled. A Canadian man named Sajid Ikram lost nearly $400,000 in a similar scam, initially misled by a small successful withdrawal. In California, a man lost $440,000, succumbing to pressure to invest more, including retirement savings and borrowed money. A Maryland victim faced continuous demands from scammers, losing almost $1.4 million in hopes of recovering previous losses. A notable case involved US authorities seizing about $9 million in cryptocurrency linked to a global pig butchering scam, showcasing its extensive reach. 

Safeguarding Against Such Scams 

Vigilance is crucial to prevent falling victim to these scams. Be skeptical of unsolicited contacts and wary of investment advice from strangers. Conduct thorough research before any financial engagement, particularly on unfamiliar platforms. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center warns of red flags like sudden large virtual currency transactions, interest in high-return investments mentioned by new online contacts, and atypical customer behaviour. 

Victims should report incidents to various Indian and foreign websites and the Securities Exchange Commission. Financial institutions are advised to report suspicious activities related to these scams. In essence, the pig butchering scam is a cunning blend of emotional manipulation and financial fraud. Staying informed and cautious is key to avoiding these sophisticated traps.

Conclusion

The Pig Butchering Scams are one of the many new breeds of emerging cyber scams that have become a bone of contention for cyber security organisations. It is imperative for netizens to stay vigilant and well-informed about the dynamics of cyberspace and emerging cyber crimes. 

References 

1. https://www.sentinelassam.com/more-news/national-news/from-impersonating-cbi-officers-to-pig-butchering-cyber-criminals-get-creative
2. https://hiindia.com/from-impersonating-cbi-officers-to-pig-butchering-cyber-criminals-get-creative/

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