The CBI has filed its 21st chargesheet in an alleged homebuyer fraud case related to the 'Acme Boulevard' housing project in Mumbai. Five former promoters/directors of Acme Realties Private Limited and Acme Housing India Private Limited are accused of inducing homebuyers through false assurances and fraudulent representations. The agency is also investigating 32 other similar cases involving various builder companies and financial institutions.
Parvathy Maya Shaji, CEO of Amster Overseas Private Limited, has been detained at Thiruvananthapuram airport in connection with two cheating cases registered in Kochi. She is accused of defrauding individuals by promising high-paying jobs abroad in Armenia and Poland, with complainants paying significant sums. Her husband and other employees are also named in the cases, and police anticipate more complaints.
An IIT Madras study reveals that financial cybercrime victims in India are often highly educated professionals, challenging the notion that only careless or financially unaware individuals are targeted. The research highlights that digital literacy doesn't guarantee protection, as fraudsters exploit stress and emotional vulnerabilities.
Delhi Police have arrested Shantaram Barku Shelke, the alleged mastermind behind a Rs 40 lakh visa fraud conspiracy that duped 41 individuals seeking overseas jobs in Russia and Israel. Shelke, proprietor of M/s SS Overseas Travels Agency, issued fake documents and evaded authorities before being apprehended in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.
Sandeep Mistry, a key associate of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, has been arrested by the CBI after his deportation from the UAE. Mistry is implicated in the Rs 6,498.20 crore Punjab National Bank scam, where he allegedly facilitated forged documents, coerced dummy directors, and siphoned funds. He has been remanded to judicial custody.
Two men, including alleged mastermind Adeeb Khan, have been arrested in Delhi for cheating a person of Rs 15 lakh by posing as Direct Selling Agents (DSAs) of private banks and offering low-interest loans. Police recovered Rs 6.95 lakh in cash, and efforts are underway to apprehend a third absconding associate and trace the full money trail.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Ankit Satishchandra Pandey in connection with a transnational cyber-financial fraud case. Pandey allegedly defrauded US nationals of over USD 7 million by impersonating US federal agency officials through illegal call centres in Gujarat, coercing victims into transferring funds and purchasing gold.
A 26-year-old woman accountant in Thane was allegedly cheated of Rs 6.97 lakh in an online "task" fraud involving product purchases and buybacks. Four individuals have been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and IT Act, with efforts underway to apprehend them.
India's sporting landscape is grappling with a pervasive age fraud issue, as evidenced by hundreds of disqualifications in recent championships. Experts highlight the systemic nature of the problem, driven by a chaotic birth registration system and the allure of early career advantages. While the BCCI has implemented bone density tests, limitations persist, prompting calls for stricter measures, including criminal deterrence and a comprehensive national database, to safeguard the integrity of youth sports.
The CBI has registered a case against Reliance Capital Limited (RCAP), its former chairman Anil Ambani, and others for an alleged Rs 2,684.57-crore fraud involving investments made by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). Anil Ambani has denied any wrongdoing. The LIC alleges criminal conspiracy, misrepresentation, and fraudulent diversion of funds.
The CBI has registered a case against Reliance Capital Limited (RCAP), its former chairman Anil Ambani, and others for an alleged Rs 2,684.57-crore fraud. The case stems from a complaint by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) regarding investments in RCAP's non-convertible debentures, alleging criminal conspiracy, misrepresentation, and fraudulent diversion of funds causing significant loss to LIC.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a standard operating procedure (SOP) for banks to implement temporary debit holds on accounts or transactions suspected of being involved in money-mule activity and cyber-enabled financial fraud, with a maximum duration of 60 days.
Delhi Police have arrested Vinod Kumar Bhardwaj, a key accused in a Rs 1.75 crore cheating and forgery case. Bhardwaj allegedly duped a retired Tihar Jail pharmacist by selling him six plots using fake documents. The accused, who carried a Rs 50,000 reward and was a proclaimed offender, was apprehended in Dwarka. Investigations are ongoing to trace his associates and financial transactions.
'It's not about individuals operating the mule accounts being more or less skilled. Instead, 'lower-level' refers to the role the individual account plays in the broader mule network.'
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Director, Rahul Navin, has issued directives to intensify action against Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) frauds involving "large haircuts" and to address delays in police registering FIRs based on ED's requests. The agency also aims to fast-track high-profile trials under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and enhance internal coordination and efficiency.
A 38-year-old woman in Thane district committed suicide after discovering her bank account was allegedly used in multiple cyber fraud cases across several Indian states, leading to immense anxiety and police questioning notices.
India-born Manjit Singh Bedi has been placed on the FBI's most wanted fraudsters list for allegedly orchestrating a significant US government benefits fraud scheme and subsequently fleeing to India.
An Indian national, Jay Sunilbharthi Goswami, has been arrested and charged in the US for his alleged role as a "money mule" in a multi-million-dollar internet and telephone fraud scheme targeting elderly victims. Goswami, a Gujarat native, was detained in Canada while attempting to flee to Qatar, facing charges including wire fraud and money laundering.
The BCCI has banned Bengal leg-spinner Rohit Yadav for two years due to age misrepresentation, following discrepancies found in his birth certificates and Aadhaar records. This ban comes after he had already represented India's U-19 team. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has also declared 62 other players, including former U-19 World Cup winner Ravi Kumar, ineligible for similar age-related issues, highlighting a wider crackdown on age fraud in junior cricket.
A sophisticated cross-bank syndicate is systematically defrauding non-resident Indians (NRIs) and elderly citizens by exploiting their fixed deposits through forged documents and fictitious loans, often involving colluding bank employees and real estate deals.
Bank fraud is no longer just an external cyber threat -- insiders with legitimate access can exploit banking systems, trusted credentials and institutional blind spots to quietly siphon money.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has expanded the 1600-number series to include utilities, courier, and logistics companies, introducing the new 1601 series to help consumers identify legitimate calls and prevent widespread fraud and impersonation.
The Supreme Court has directed the Reserve Bank of India to prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) within four weeks to deal with bank accounts linked to cyber frauds, including mule accounts. This directive is part of a broader effort to strengthen responses to cyber-enabled financial frauds, with the court also urging states and UTs to adopt and operationalise grievance redressal and money restoration modules.
Waiting Hai exposes Indian Railways' tatkal ticket scams with .
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a large-scale network involved in fraudulently importing South-East Asian areca nuts into India. The syndicate falsely declared the nuts as Bangladeshi origin to evade customs duty, leading to a potential revenue loss of over Rs 2,500 crore. Nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the scam.
A 68-year-old Mumbai resident was defrauded of Rs 7.21 crore by cyber criminals who threatened her with false accusations of money laundering and terror funding. The fraudsters coerced her into transferring funds to bank accounts and a cryptocurrency wallet after impersonating officials from various agencies.
Kerala Police have issued a warning against online fraudsters selling fake tickets for the upcoming India-West Indies first ODI match in Thiruvananthapuram. Scammers use social media to lure victims, collect personal details, and demand multiple payments under various pretexts, advising the public to only use official booking platforms.
India's markets regulator, Sebi, has issued a warning to listed companies and regulated entities about an emerging cyber fraud known as the "Boss Scam." This scam involves fraudsters impersonating senior officials like CEOs or MDs to trick finance teams into transferring funds, often using advanced AI tools or malicious software. Sebi advises organisations to verify requests independently and report incidents to prevent financial losses.
A stolen mobile phone belonging to an 88-year-old man has helped the Delhi police unearth an interstate cyber-fraud syndicate allegedly operating through a three-stage network spread across Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, an officer said on Monday.
A 40-year-old woman in Thane, Maharashtra, was allegedly defrauded of Rs 5.6 lakh by four individuals who convinced her there was hidden treasure beneath her house. The accused performed black magic rituals and extracted cash and gold under false pretences, later fleeing with the valuables. Police have registered a case under relevant laws.
Delhi Police arrested Sanju Mishra alias Tuntun Mishra from Ranchi, Jharkhand, in connection with a financial cheating case. Mishra, who runs a power tools business, is accused of fraud involving his business partner, Anup Garg. An FIR was registered in Delhi, and his bail plea was rejected by the Delhi High Court. Police are investigating his bank accounts and the fraud's modus operandi.
The United States has announced new visa restrictions targeting individuals who engage in or facilitate "birth tourism." This move aims to prevent the exploitation of the US immigration system, which allows foreign nationals to travel to the US to give birth, thereby securing US citizenship for their children. The restrictions apply to facilitators, visa "fixers," and medical providers involved in these networks.
A frozen phone screen, a fake customer-care call, a screen-sharing request or even a duplicate SIM can give cybercriminals a route into your bank account.
The Union Home Ministry has issued a stern advisory to states and Union Territories, highlighting a "dangerous trend" of human trafficking through "overseas recruitment scams." These scams lure victims with promises of high-paying jobs abroad, only to trap them in "CyberFraud Centres." The ministry has called for a "specialised offensive" involving various state agencies to combat this growing menace, emphasising strict enforcement, agency verification, and public awareness.
The highest number of frauds was reported under the card, Internet, and digital payments categories in FY24 and FY25. 'Advances' accounted for the largest share (85.5 per cent) in FY26.
A Mumbai chartered accountant, Herat Salot, was allegedly defrauded of Rs 16.29 crore over nine years by an organised syndicate. The elaborate scam involved a fake US pilot training programme, fabricated FBI arrests, and other deceptive ploys. Three individuals have been arrested, while 22 others remain at large.
Industry body Assocham has welcomed the new UPI framework for large-value merchant transactions, effective October 15. This framework introduces a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on person-to-merchant UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000, with a cap of Rs 300 for transactions over Rs 75,000. The move aims to enhance UPI sustainability, support innovation, and mitigate fraud, while protecting small merchants and ensuring most everyday transactions remain free.
Customers must report the fraud both to their bank and to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or Helpline 1930 within five calendar days of the occurrence of the fraudulent transaction.
A man seeking a second marriage was allegedly duped of Rs 1.6 lakh by a matchmaker and a 'bride' who vanished shortly after their wedding rituals. The groom was sent to buy sweets, and upon his return, found the bride and accomplices had fled. Police have arrested the matchmaker and another accused in connection with the fraud.
The Bombay High Court has identified a worrying trend of foreign nationals infiltrating India, fraudulently acquiring documents like Aadhaar and PAN cards to claim Indian citizenship. The court highlighted serious gaps in inter-agency coordination and document verification, noting that some individuals have engaged in anti-national activities. It urged the Centre to amend the Aadhaar Act to facilitate tracing and deportation, and to establish procedures for dealing with human trafficking and border infiltration. The ruling came during a case involving an Afghan national who overstayed his visa and obtained fake documents to secure an Indian passport.
