News for 'cybercrime as a service'

Meta may lose legal immunity after govt calls it service provider

Meta may lose legal immunity after govt calls it service provider

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Government sources state that Meta, due to its algorithmic amplification of content, can no longer be considered a "simple intermediary" but rather a "service provider," implying greater responsibility and potential loss of legal immunity. This shift comes as Meta commits to directly reporting child abuse content to Indian law enforcement, amidst increasing government scrutiny over harmful online content and algorithmic bias.

New 'boss' scam to dupe corporate employees busted

New 'boss' scam to dupe corporate employees busted

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch has uncovered a Rs 1.5 crore WhatsApp fraud, leading to the arrest of two key SIM and OTP suppliers in West Bengal. The investigation revealed a sophisticated international cybercrime network spanning China, Pakistan, India, and Hong Kong, operating a "boss scam" and utilizing a "Cybercrime as a Service" model. Police recovered a significant portion of the defrauded amount and secured thousands of devices.

BRICS Summit Pushes For Safe And Inclusive AI Development

BRICS Summit Pushes For Safe And Inclusive AI Development

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

BRICS leaders, in their New Delhi Declaration 2026, have called for wider access to Artificial Intelligence resources and stronger international cooperation to ensure the technology is safe, secure, inclusive, and reliable. The declaration outlines a broad technology agenda covering AI, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, telecom, quantum technologies, and advanced manufacturing, committing to implement the grouping's statement on 'Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence'.

No blanket ban, bank account freeze must match proceeds of crime: HC

No blanket ban, bank account freeze must match proceeds of crime: HC

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that investigating agencies cannot impose a blanket debit freeze on a person's bank account during cybercrime investigations. The court stated that restraint must be proportionate to the suspected proceeds of crime, directing banks to de-freeze accounts beyond the disputed amount. This ruling aims to protect innocent account holders from complete financial deprivation due to minor disputed transactions.

'Bank Customers Have Become Demanding'

'Bank Customers Have Become Demanding'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

'Ultimately, banks are a channel for people to get some long-term return, and this means banks need to adjust their asset-liability mismatch.' 'Customers also need long-term deposits, say those of three-five years. How would they get them if returns on those deposits do not climb?' 'Otherwise, on fixed deposits, a senior citizen doesn't get anything.'

7 Scams That Can Empty Your Bank Account

7 Scams That Can Empty Your Bank Account

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

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.

Beware Of These Scams!

Beware Of These Scams!

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Do not share OTPs, PINs, authentication codes, card numbers, card verification values (CVVs), KYC details, security answers, Internet-banking passwords or Aadhaar-based authentication credentials through SMS, e-mail or phone calls.

Hyderabad police warn women against 'rent a boyfriend' dating scam

Hyderabad police warn women against 'rent a boyfriend' dating scam

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Hyderabad City Police are actively cautioning young women against the emerging "rent boyfriend" cyber scam, a deceptive online trap designed to defraud and blackmail victims through fake companionship offers.

Govt investigating reported Tata Electronics data leak

Govt investigating reported Tata Electronics data leak

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sought an explanation from WhatsApp regarding its username feature, citing concerns over potential cybercrime facilitation. Concurrently, the ministry is investigating reported data leak allegations involving Tata Electronics, a key supplier for Apple's iPhone components in India. MeitY is also exploring techno-legal solutions for VPNs to address challenges posed by unregistered providers operating from outside India.

'Bigger Attacks Always Compromise Humans Than Systems'

'Bigger Attacks Always Compromise Humans Than Systems'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Cybersecurity specialists warn AI-driven attacks require continuous threat monitoring instead of periodic security checks.

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

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.

Pritam And Pedro Review: Buddy Comedy Falls Flat

Pritam And Pedro Review: Buddy Comedy Falls Flat

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Arshad Warsi can create an air of levity around anybody but Vir Hirani's stiff screen presence as Pritam Parkar has no vibe to match his peevish, pitiable Pedro Gonsalves, observes Sukanya Verma.

How Hyderabad Police Busted A Ghost SIM Card Racket

How Hyderabad Police Busted A Ghost SIM Card Racket

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Hyderabad Police have apprehended 66 individuals linked to a nationwide 'ghost' SIM card network, connected to 76 cybercrime cases involving over Rs 101 crore.

After WhatsApp, govt sends notices to Telegram, Signal over username feature

After WhatsApp, govt sends notices to Telegram, Signal over username feature

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's IT Ministry has issued notices to Telegram and Signal, following a similar action against WhatsApp, questioning their username features due to concerns over increased online fraud, phishing, and impersonation. The government is seeking explanations on how these platforms address such risks, with one homegrown app already disabling the feature.

Beware of fake FIFA World Cup streaming platforms, warn Kerala Police

Beware of fake FIFA World Cup streaming platforms, warn Kerala Police

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Kerala police have issued a warning about a sophisticated cyber fraud targeting football fans. Scammers are using fake OTT apps and social media advertisements promising free access to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. These malicious apps gain control of users' phones and illegally withdraw money from bank accounts. The police advise downloading apps only from official stores and being cautious of suspicious permissions.

Kerala Police Launch 'Operation Toofan' To Combat Narcotics

Kerala Police Launch 'Operation Toofan' To Combat Narcotics

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Kerala's Home Minister announces 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a comprehensive anti-narcotics campaign targeting drug syndicates, especially those operating near educational institutions, and outlines reforms to improve police functioning and public accessibility.

How Uttar Pradesh's Crime Policy Achieved 93% Conviction Rate

How Uttar Pradesh's Crime Policy Achieved 93% Conviction Rate

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Uttar Pradesh DGP Rajeev Krishna announced a conviction rate of over 93 per cent due to the state's 'zero tolerance' policy against crime. Authorities seized properties worth nearly Rs 788.38 crore linked to criminal activities.

Spot a Suspicious Credit Card Transaction?

Spot a Suspicious Credit Card Transaction?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The first thing cardholders should do after spotting a suspicious charge is block the card.

NEET re-exam: NTA issues advisory, sends reminders to students

NEET re-exam: NTA issues advisory, sends reminders to students

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is sending reminders for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination admit cards while cautioning candidates against fraudulent messages and fake communications, urging them to use only official channels for information.

How To Protect Yourself From Online Dark Patterns

How To Protect Yourself From Online Dark Patterns

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

'Dark patterns exploit human psychology, cognitive biases, urgency, confusion, or lack of attention to increase revenue for digital platforms at the expense of consumer choice and transparency.'

Kerala Police Launch 'Operation Toofan' To Combat Narcotics

Kerala Police Launch 'Operation Toofan' To Combat Narcotics

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Kerala's Home Minister announces 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a statewide campaign to crack down on drug syndicates, focusing on eliminating drug distribution networks, especially around educational institutions, and improving police functioning across the state.

Man Held For Credit Card Fraud In Delhi

Man Held For Credit Card Fraud In Delhi

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a man from Bihar for allegedly committing credit card fraud of Rs 3.99 lakh. The accused used stolen credentials to make purchases through the victim's e-commerce account.

Three Arrested in Delhi for Facilitating 'Digital Arrest' Fraud

Three Arrested in Delhi for Facilitating 'Digital Arrest' Fraud

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have arrested three individuals for their alleged involvement in facilitating a 'digital arrest' fraud racket, which resulted in a Paschim Vihar resident being defrauded of Rs 14.2 lakh.

Kerala Student Death: Loan App Operators Remanded To Custody

Kerala Student Death: Loan App Operators Remanded To Custody

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Three men have been arrested in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, in connection with the death of a first-year BDS student in Kerala, who allegedly faced harassment from a loan app company.

Multi-City Air Ticket Scam Busted: Mastermind Arrested

Multi-City Air Ticket Scam Busted: Mastermind Arrested

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Four individuals have been arrested for allegedly running a sophisticated cyber fraud operation, duping people with fake discounted air tickets across multiple cities. Police recovered a substantial amount of cash and luxury items from the accused.

Interpol Warns of Soaring Financial Fraud Fueled by AI

Interpol Warns of Soaring Financial Fraud Fueled by AI

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Interpol's latest report reveals a significant surge in global financial fraud, driven by the increasing use of artificial intelligence by scamsters, resulting in losses of over USD 442 billion in 2025.

Jharkhand Police Unearth Interstate Cyber Fraud Racket

Jharkhand Police Unearth Interstate Cyber Fraud Racket

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Jharkhand police have uncovered an interstate cyber fraud network and arrested four individuals involved in fraudulent transactions across 24 states. The investigation was initiated following inputs from the Union Home Ministry's 'Samanvaya portal', leading to the discovery of a bank account in Ramgarh district used for the illicit activities.

Trio Arrested For Gas Cylinder APK File Fraud

Trio Arrested For Gas Cylinder APK File Fraud

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Mumbai Police have arrested three men from Jharkhand for creating and selling fraudulent APK files used to scam people, particularly during a recent shortage of LPG cylinders.

Rajasthan Crime Rate Plummets Nearly 19% in Two Years

Rajasthan Crime Rate Plummets Nearly 19% in Two Years

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced a significant drop in the state's crime rate, attributing it to sustained policing efforts and a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. The announcement was made at the 77th Rajasthan Police Foundation Day function.

International Cyber Fraud Racket Busted in J&K: Seven Arrested

International Cyber Fraud Racket Busted in J&K: Seven Arrested

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Police's Counter Intelligence Wing (CIK) has dismantled a sophisticated international cyber fraud racket, arresting seven individuals in Srinagar. The operation targeted victims in the USA, UK, and Canada, using advanced techniques to steal funds through deceptive online schemes.

How Punjab Police Uncovered a Cyber Fraud Ring Preying on Women

How Punjab Police Uncovered a Cyber Fraud Ring Preying on Women

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Punjab Police have arrested three members of a cyber fraud gang who used voice-changing software and fake social media profiles to extort money from women by threatening to circulate AI-generated objectionable videos.

SC asks CBI to probe digital arrest scams nationwide

SC asks CBI to probe digital arrest scams nationwide

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to conduct a pan-India investigation into digital arrest scams and questioned the RBI about its lack of AI usage in detecting and freezing accounts used by cybercriminals.

South East Asia-based gangs behind surge in cybercrimes in India: Govt

South East Asia-based gangs behind surge in cybercrimes in India: Govt

Rediff.com23 May 2024

The senior IPS officer said that 45 percent of cyber financial frauds taking place in the country are originating from the South East Asia.

Cyberattacks on India Inc Rising

Cyberattacks on India Inc Rising

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

From January to June 2025, Kaspersky enterprise solutions blocked more than 200,000 spyware attacks on Indian organisations.

Man poses as 'Justice Chandrachud', dupes woman of Rs 3.7 crore

Man poses as 'Justice Chandrachud', dupes woman of Rs 3.7 crore

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

A man was arrested in Gujarat for allegedly receiving a significant portion of Rs 3.71 crore siphoned off from a Mumbai woman in a 'digital arrest' scam. The cybercriminals impersonated law enforcement and court officials, staging a fake online hearing to deceive the victim.

How Parents Can Deal With Child's Gaming Addiction

How Parents Can Deal With Child's Gaming Addiction

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

'Look at what kind of sites the child is visiting, what kind of games they are playing and then tell them about the pitfalls.' 'After the child sleeps, parents can check the history of sites visited and block sites that could be dangerous or inappropriate.'

Telangana: 80-year-old doctor, family rescued from 3-day digital arrest

Telangana: 80-year-old doctor, family rescued from 3-day digital arrest

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) foiled a digital arrest extortion attempt, rescuing an 80-year-old doctor and his family from cyber fraudsters posing as CBI officials.

Will 1600 Number Stop Scam Calls?

Will 1600 Number Stop Scam Calls?

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Trai has ordered BFSI firms to move service and transaction calls to the 1600 series from 2026 to reduce spam, financial fraud, and rising digital arrest scams.

How I Almost Lost My WhatsApp To A Scam

How I Almost Lost My WhatsApp To A Scam

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

What looked like a delivery update quickly turned into a WhatsApp hijack, Rishika Shah discovered to her horror.

Assam Bans Jihadi Digital Content

Assam Bans Jihadi Digital Content

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Officials said the digital ban was intended to disrupt ideological channels that facilitate cross-border radicalisation, particularly in areas where socio-economic vulnerabilities are exploited by extremist networks.