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Vulnerability
Awareness Cyber Criminals Cyber Fraud Cybersecurity elderly Financial Loss fraud prevention Online Scams Scams vigilance Vulnerability

India's Digital Rise Sees Alarming Surge in Online Scams Targeting the Elderly

 

With India advancing in the digital landscape, the country is also witnessing a concerning rise in online scams. In recent months, thousands of individuals have lost substantial sums to these cyber criminals, either hoping to earn more money or after being threatened. Scammers employ new tricks, targeting people across all age groups, with a notable increase in elderly victims. Cyber criminals use increasingly sophisticated techniques to exploit the vulnerability and trust of senior citizens, causing significant financial and emotional distress.

In one case from Bengaluru, a 77-year-old woman named Lakshmi Shivakumar lost Rs 1.2 crore to a scam. It began with a call from someone posing as a Telecom Department representative, falsely claiming a SIM card in her name was involved in illegal activities in Mumbai. The caller mentioned a complaint with the Mumbai Crime Branch to add credibility.

Within hours, she received another call from individuals impersonating Mumbai Crime Branch officers, accusing her of laundering Rs 60 crore and demanding her bank account details for verification. Using threats of arrest and showing a fabricated FIR and arrest warrant, the scammers coerced her into sharing her bank details, ultimately transferring Rs 1.28 crore from her account, promising the money's return after the investigation.

In another case from Chandigarh, an elderly woman was deceived out of Rs 72 lakh under the pretense of a digital arrest scam. She received a call from someone claiming to be from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Andheri, Mumbai, falsely implicating her in a drug case connected to a man named Naresh Goyal and threatening to freeze her bank accounts.

The scammer linked her ATM card to the suspect and claimed obscene messages from her phone were circulating. Under immense pressure, she complied with the demands, participating in a video call where a fake police ID was shown. Over a week, the scammers defrauded her of Rs 72 lakh, promising to return the money after proving her innocence.

Older people are particularly vulnerable to such scams due to several reasons. They often struggle to keep up with the latest technology and digital security measures, making them easy targets for tech-savvy criminals. Additionally, older adults are more likely to trust authoritative figures and may not recognize the signs of deceit in official-looking communications. Their financial stability and natural inclination to trust and cooperate with law enforcement further increase their susceptibility.

How to stay safe and protect the elderly from scams

To protect the elderly from falling prey to such scams, awareness and vigilance are crucial. Here are some essential tips:

  • Inform elderly family members about common types of scams and the tactics used by fraudsters. Regular discussions can help them recognize and avoid potential threats.
  • Encourage seniors to verify any unsolicited calls or messages by contacting the official organization directly using known contact details, not the ones provided by the caller.
  • Ensure that devices used by the elderly have updated security software to protect against malware.
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Technology
AI in education AI potential Artificial Intelligence boost productivity job loss Online Scams Technology

The Impact of AI on Society and Science

 

Nowadays, everyone is talking about artificial intelligence (AI). Governments view AI as both an opportunity and a challenge. Industries are excited about AI's potential to boost productivity, while academia is actively incorporating AI into teaching and research. However, the public is concerned about the negative aspects of AI. Job loss is a significant worry, as is the rise in online scams facilitated by AI. Many have fallen victim to cybercrime, and social media is increasingly plagued by AI-generated deepfakes.

The education sector is anxious about AI leading to more plagiarism and cheating in exams. Despite these concerns, one thing is certain: AI is here to stay. The world must manage it by mitigating the risks and harnessing the opportunities.

In a world where science and innovation create new possibilities, AI's impact on business is widely acknowledged. AI can enhance scientific systems in various ways, improving research and development, analysis, and collaboration. Key areas where AI can significantly impact have been identified.

Big data presents a new challenge for the world. Effective management and utilization of big data require reliable analytics. AI can process and analyze massive datasets much faster than humans, uncovering patterns and correlations that might otherwise be missed. This capability is essential in fields like genomics, climate science, and epidemiology. Machine learning models can predict outcomes and identify trends in scientific data, aiding scientists in making informed decisions and developing new hypotheses.

AI-driven robots and systems can perform repetitive experimental tasks, increasing efficiency and allowing scientists to focus on more complex aspects of their research. AI can automate data entry, curation, and management, reducing human error and freeing up researchers' time, thus enhancing research capabilities. AI can also scan and summarize vast amounts of scientific literature, helping researchers stay current with the latest developments and quickly find relevant information. Furthermore, AI can suggest new research directions and hypotheses based on existing data, potentially leading to innovative discoveries.

Many of the world's problems require interdisciplinary solutions. AI can facilitate collaboration between scientists from different disciplines and locations through advanced communication tools and platforms. Language algorithms can assist in writing and translating research papers, making scientific knowledge more accessible globally and supporting the open science agenda. AI can run complex simulations in fields like physics, chemistry, and biology, aiding in predicting experimental outcomes and better understanding complex systems. In medicine, AI models can simulate drug interactions with biological systems, accelerating the discovery of new medications.

With AI, precision medicine and personalized treatment are becoming a reality. AI can analyze genetic data to develop personalized treatment plans for patients, enhancing the effectiveness of medical treatments. AI-driven diagnostic tools can aid in the early detection and diagnosis of diseases, improving patient outcomes. By integrating AI into scientific systems, researchers can leverage these technologies to achieve faster, more accurate, and more innovative scientific discoveries.

A significant issue in scientific systems is the poor commercialization of R&D. Selecting research topics that efficiently link outputs with current and emerging market needs is crucial. AI can optimize the evaluation of R&D proposals to align with industry needs, overcoming the challenges of manual evaluation, such as poor market knowledge by academia and a lack of understanding of academic rigor by the industry.

Clearly, AI has much to offer in enhancing the productivity of scientific systems. The methods for achieving this should be the subject of more discourse and study among stakeholders. As science assumes a greater role in the global future, nations must enhance their scientific systems. Science is a significant investment, and AI can help realize better returns.
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Three Brotherhood Alliance
China Cyber Scams Cyber Security Myanmar Online Scams Pig Butchering rebel groups Three Brotherhood Alliance

Myanmar Rebels Take Authority of ‘Pig Butchering’ Scam City Laukkaing


Well known for being a hub for online scams near the border with China, Laukkaing is presently under the authority of a coalition of rebel groups in Myanmar.

On Thursday, the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which had conducted a surprise attack in Shan state, on the country's northern border, in late October, took over the city from the military administration of Myanmar. The rebel organization claims that the military has given up control over the Kokang region, which is about the size of Lebanon.

Since the beginning of the campaign, the coalition has indicated its plans to deal with the organized scams that have emerged under the watch of militias loyal to the ruling junta. 

“To eradicate telecommunications fraud, fraud dens and their protective umbrellas across the country, including the China-Myanmar border areas, our three coalition forces decided to jointly carry out this military operation,” the coalition stated upon the launch of the offensive.

The rebel groups' emphasis on the flourishing scam sector is probably an attempt to win over China, which has grown weary of seeing its citizens targeted into the compounds to conduct scams, or worse, targeted by so-called 'pig butchering scams.'

Over last weekend, junta leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing met with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in Naypyidaw to discuss border security and organized crime.

“The two sides will jointly maintain peace and stability on the China-Myanmar border, cooperate to combat cross-border criminal activities such as telecommunications fraud, and jointly promote regional peace, tranquillity, development and prosperity,” stated the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the meeting.

As per a state media outlet China Daily, Wang Xiaohong, Minister of Public Security also attended a virtual meeting with Myanmar’s Home Affairs Minister, Lt. Gen. Yar Pyae, where they both agreed to strengthen law enforcement to protect security and stability in border areas, especially by stepping up efforts to deal with online and telecom fraud.

According to a UN report from August 2023, around 120,000 individuals were coerced into scamming operations in Myanmar. In most cases, pig butchering scams entail a con artist establishing a rapport with a victim via social media, dating services, or messaging apps.

On January 5, Chinese state media reported that 41,000 individuals implicated in telecom fraud in Myanmar were turned over to Chinese police in the previous year. The number of people that were taken into custody who were trafficked is unknown.

Observers have cautioned that despite the crackdown in northern Myanmar, activities might easily move to criminal areas elsewhere in the nation, particularly near the borders with Thailand and Laos.  

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URLs
Cyber Fraud Data Theft FTC Mallicious URLs Online Scams Personal Data QR code Scammers Scams URLs

FTC Warns: QR Codes May Result in Identity Theft


One might want to reconsider before scanning QR codes.

The codes, which are a digital jumble of white and black squares that are frequently used to record URLs, are apparently commonplace; they may as well be seen, for example, on menus at restaurants and retail establishments. The Federal Trade Commission cautioned on Thursday that they could be dangerous for those who aren't cautious.

According to a report by eMarketer, around 94 million US consumers have used QR scanner this year. The number is only increasing, with around 102.6 million anticipated by 2026. 

As per Alvaro Puig, a consumer education specialist with the FTC, QRs are quite popular since there are endless ways to use them.

“Unfortunately, scammers hide harmful links in QR codes to steal personal information,” Puig said.

Why is Stolen Personal Data a Threat? 

The stolen data can be misused by threat actors in a number of ways: According to a separate report by FTC, the identity thieves can use victim’s personal data to illicitly file tax returns in their names and obtain tax refunds, drain their bank accounts, charge their credit cards, open new utility accounts, get medical treatment on their health insurance, and open new utility accounts.

In some cases, criminals cover the legitimate QR codes with their own, in places like parking meters, or even send codes via text messages or emails, luring victims into scanning their codes. 

One of the infamous tactic used by scammers is by creating a sense of urgency in their victims. For example, they might suggest that a product could not  be delivered and you need to reschedule or that you need to change your account password because of suspicious activity.

“A scammer’s QR code could take you to a spoofed site that looks real but isn’t,” Puig wrote. “And if you log in to the spoofed site, the scammers could steal any information you enter. Or the QR code could install malware that steals your information before you realize it.”

How can User Protect Themselves?

According to FTC, some of the measures one can follow to protect themselves from scams are:

  • Inspect URLs before clicking: Even if a URL looks familiar, it is advisable to check for any misspelling or switched letters in order to ensure it is legit. 
  • Do not scan a QR code in a suspicious/unexpected message: This is particularly valid when the text or email demands a quick response. If a user believe this to be a genuine message, it is advisable to get in touch with the business using a reliable channel, such as a working phone number or website. 
  • Protect devices and online accounts: Users are advised to use strong passwords and multifactor authentication and keep their phones’ OS in their latest versions.  

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strong passwords
Anti-Malware Credit Cards Cyber Monday scams Cyber Security debit cards email security Multi-factor authentication Online Scams spoofed domains strong passwords

Cyber Monday Scams: Stay Vigilant and Protect Yourself from These Sneaky Tricks

 

With the shopping holiday of Cyber Monday just around the corner, Brits are being urged to exercise heightened caution against online scams. The prevalence of online scams has surged in recent years, and scammers have become increasingly adept at defrauding unsuspecting shoppers.

On Friday, Felicity Oswald, the chief of the National Cybersecurity Center (NCSC), cautioned that cybercriminals will be out in full force, intent on "scamming people out of their hard-earned cash."

"The growing availability and capability of technology like large language models is making scams more convincing," she explained.

According to the NCSC, shoppers lost over £10 million to online scams during the festive period last year, which included Black Friday and Cyber Monday. City A.M. spoke to Oz Alashe MBE, a cybersecurity expert and CEO of CybSafe, who shared his top tips for staying safe from online scams during the shopping weekend.

"Cyber Monday is not just a time for bargain hunters; it's also a breeding ground for criminals to prey on financial information and sensitive data," he remarked.

"People need to be equipped with the knowledge and understanding to identify these threats before they cause harm. A crucial aspect of this lies in adopting secure behaviors and implementing effective cyber hygiene practices to safeguard consumers, their friends, and their families."

Here are five of the most common online scams to watch out for:

1. Malicious emails and texts

Cybercriminals exploit major shopping events to bombard people with emails and text messages promoting deals and discounts. When you receive such messages, scrutinize the sender's address. Does it appear legitimate? Only click on links if you are absolutely certain of their authenticity. If not, delete them immediately!

2. Spoofed domains

Criminals create replica websites of legitimate brands to trick shoppers into divulging their financial information.

Always double-check the URL of the websites you visit, and exercise caution with links received via email, text, or social media promotions. If you have doubts, search for the brand online to verify if the advertised deals are available on their official website.

3. Prioritize credit cards over debit cards for purchases

Credit cards offer better fraud protection if your information is compromised, making them a valuable tool against online scams.

If you discover unauthorized charges on your credit card, you should be reimbursed for the entire amount spent, provided you notify your provider promptly.

4. Check return policies and read reviews before purchasing from unfamiliar sites

Scam websites often lack return policies or impose strict return windows. Investigate whether there are reviews mentioning fraud or counterfeit products. If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts and avoid the site.

5. Empower yourself to combat online scams

Educate yourself about the tactics employed by cybercriminals, and then consider how you can enhance your security.

Enable multi-factor authentication on online accounts that offer the service. Create strong, unique passwords. Employ anti-malware and email security solutions, and always maintain backups of your critical data. These practices will significantly strengthen your online security.
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United Nations
Cyber Fraud Online Scams Organized Crime SE Asia Trafficking UN investigates United Nations

UN Reports: Hundreds of Thousands Coerced into Working in Online Scams


A latest UN investigation reports that hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked to Southeast Asia to operate online scams.

Apparently, at least 12,000 individuals from Myanmar and another 100,000 Cambodian nationals have been coerced into working on these scams.

While most victims are said to be from Asia, some are from countries in Africa and Latin America. Despite the fact that the issue has long existed, the UN report represents the first thorough examination of its scope.

The investigation suggests that as a result of pandemic-related closures, millions of individuals were forced to stay at home and spend more time online, making them prime targets for those running online fraud schemes.

After luring the less-educated victims into joining the frauds for quick bucks, cybercrime gangs are now targeting victims with a more professional background (often graduates or post-grads).

The report further noted that the places where the victims are primarily targeted and coerced into joining cybercrime come under a jurisdiction where the governance and laws are comparatively weak, with contested authority. "In continuing to call for justice for those who have been defrauded through online criminality, we must not forget that this complex phenomenon has two sets of victims," said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

According to an estimation made by the UN, these scam centres are generating a revenue of whopping billions of US dollars annually. 

Trafficking for Scams

As described by the victims themselves, they were lured into the ‘jobs’ via advertisements that would assure easy work and magnificent perks, finally luring and tricking them into travelling to Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. Once they arrived at their destinations, they were apparently kept hostage and forced into working for online scam centres. The ones who refused to comply were subjected to torture and certain ‘inhuman treatment.’

Some networks also prey on those looking for love romance, in what are known as ‘pig-butchering’ scams. 

In one such tragic incident that occurred last year, a Malaysian man, 25, who had travelled to Bangkok to meet a "girlfriend" with whom he had only communicated online, was killed by torture. 

However, on the contrary, he was trafficked to Myanmar and was forced to work for online scam gangs. In one of his last calls to his parents, he stated he had been beaten up for supposedly fabricating a medical condition. He succumbed to the illness after a month in intensive care. 

According to the UN, existing laws in many Southeast Asian nations frequently fall short of international norms and have "in large part" failed to keep up with the development of internet fraud operations since the pandemic.

Many more cases, according to Pia Oberoi, a senior consultant on migration at the UN Human Rights Office, have gone unreported because the victims experience "stigma and shame" for the task they were forced to perform.

The report further added that a much more appropriate response to the issue should "not merely [involve] addressing organised crime or enforcing border controls, but should provide protection and justice for these victims of trafficking.”

In regards to this, Mr. Türk urged governments to take a firm stance against these criminal networks."All affected states need to summon the political will to strengthen human rights and improve governance and the rule of law, including through serious and sustained efforts to tackle corruption," he said.  

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