Tag Archives: Fraud prevention

Cybercrime Probe Bank Staff’s Role in Fraud Surge

Cybercrime officials are looking into the involvement of bank staff in the increasing number of fraud cases, where criminals use ‘mule accounts’ to deceive people.

Recently, investigators discovered that fraudulent accounts, including current accounts, were being opened in banks in Hyderabad and across India. Basic verification processes were often ignored by bank employees, and large suspicious transactions went unnoticed.

Despite the Telangana Police conducting awareness programs and alerting bank management about these issues, bank staff have continued to neglect proper verification. As a result, criminal charges are now being brought against those involved. Two bank employees in Hyderabad have already been arrested for their role in a major financial fraud.

The investigation also revealed that brokers help fraudsters open these mule accounts using other people’s credentials in exchange for a commission. Some bank officials are suspected of receiving bribes to overlook these fraudulent activities.

Telangana Police have written to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), urging them to enforce stricter verification procedures for new bank accounts. The police are also conducting awareness programs for bank employees in the state, and coordinating with RBI and local police in other areas to ensure compliance with guidelines.

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ALSO READ | Hyderabad Cybercrime Saves Techie’s Rs 18 Lakh

Hyderabad Cybercrime Saves Techie’s Rs 18 Lakh

Hyderabad cybercrime police acted quickly to save a 31-year-old software professional from losing Rs 18 lakh to a scam. The victim, who works in Amberpet, fell prey to a fraudster pretending to be from a courier company.

The fraudster tricked the victim by claiming his Aadhaar details were used in a drug smuggling case and asked him to contact Mumbai cybercrime authorities via Skype. They also convinced him to take a personal loan of Rs 18 lakh and transfer it to their account.

Realizing he had been scammed, the victim promptly reported the incident to cybercrime police. Within just 11 minutes, police worked with the banks involved and managed to block the entire amount from being withdrawn by the fraudsters.

DCP Kavitha advised the public to verify the sources of unexpected calls, messages, or emails before sharing personal or financial details. She warned against transferring money to unknown accounts or responding to unsolicited job offers.

To report cyber financial fraud, people can call the Cybercrime Helpline at 1930, visit their local police station, or use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in. These steps are crucial to prevent falling victim to such scams.

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The Indian Government Blocked Over 100 Fraudulent Websites

Government Takes Swift Action: Blocks Over 100 Websites in Crackdown on Illegal Investments and Job Frauds

Over 100 websites have been blocked by the Indian government for aiding organized illegal investments and fraudulent part-time job schemes. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), part of the Union Home Ministry, identified and recommended the blocking of these websites through its National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU).

These websites, mostly run by foreign entities, targeted retired individuals, women, and unemployed youth seeking part-time employment. Operated through digital advertisements, chat messengers, and rented accounts, these platforms facilitated organized illegal investments related to economic crimes.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) utilized its authority under the Information Technology Act, of 2000, to block these websites. The economic frauds conducted on these platforms involved laundering proceeds out of India through methods like card networks, cryptocurrencies, overseas ATM withdrawals, and international Fintech companies.

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The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) is a Home Ministry initiative to address cyber crimes in a coordinated manner. Citizens are urged to report phone numbers and social media handles used by fraudsters through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

The fraudulent schemes typically began with targeted digital advertisements on platforms like Google and Meta, using keywords like “Ghar baithe job” (work from home) and “Ghar baithe kamai kaise karen” (how to earn from home). Victims were then engaged through WhatsApp or Telegram, convinced to perform tasks for commissions, and eventually duped into making larger investments.

As a precaution, citizens are advised to exercise caution before investing in high-commission online schemes. Financial transactions with unknown individuals on WhatsApp or Telegram should be avoided without proper verification. Checking the source of initial commissions and verifying the name of the receiver in UPI Apps is recommended to prevent falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

The government emphasizes refraining from transactions with unknown accounts to prevent involvement in money laundering, terror financing, and potential legal consequences, according to the statement.

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US Embassy Tightens Visa Appointment Process for Students in India

US Embassy Tightens Visa Appointment Process for Students in India

Effective November 27, the US Embassy in India has implemented a new policy to prevent fraud and misuse in the student visa appointment system. This policy mandates that all F, M, and J student visa applicants must use their own accurate passport information when creating a profile and scheduling an appointment.

Applicants using incorrect passport details will face rejection at the Visa Application Centers (VACs). Their appointments will be canceled, and the visa fee will be forfeited.

Individuals who inadvertently used incorrect passport information can rectify the error either by creating a new profile with the correct details or by accessing an existing profile with the correct information to reschedule. However, this may require payment of a new visa fee receipt if the previous payment was linked to the incorrect passport data.

Applicants who have recently renewed their passports or obtained new ones following the loss or theft of their old passport can present a photocopy or other evidence of their former passport number and proceed with their scheduled appointment.

This new policy aims to ensure the integrity of the visa appointment system and protect applicants from potential scams or misuse of their personal information.

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