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ONLINE SCAMS NEWS

What is ‘GhostPairing’ and why is CERT-In warning Indian WhatsApp users about it?

December 28, 2025 9:23 am

'GhostPairing' allows cybercriminals to take complete control of WhatsApp accounts without requiring passwords or SIM swaps, according to CERT-In.

A Mumbai octogenarian was defrauded of nearly Rs 5 lakh by scammers posing as ED officials. (File)

Pune Army colonel's credit card charged for Rs 3.8 lakh to Hong Kong hotel in fake traffic challan fraud

December 18, 2025 5:57 pm

The colonel, who is in his late 40s and posted with a defence establishment in Pune, was directed to a message stating that a Rs 590 payment for a traffic violation challan for his vehicle was pending.

The woman's complaint says that on June 19, she received a call from someone claiming to represent Blue Dart courier. The caller allegedly said that drugs and baggage linked to her Aadhaar number had been found, and that the Mumbai police would be coming to arrest her. (Express Photo)

Under 'digital arrest', Bengaluru woman sells 2 plots, 1 flat and takes bank loan to pay Rs 2 crore to cybercriminals

December 16, 2025 6:59 pm

The scam began when the woman received a call claiming to represent Blue Dart courier, stating that drugs linked to her Aadhaar number had been found.

DoT directive: 5 in 10 users do not support SIM-binding by messaging apps, survey finds

December 13, 2025 11:18 am

While a majority of respondents believe that continuous SIM-binding may improve safety, many are also concerned about the inconvenience it will cause for those using multiple devices.

Why DoT’s SIM-binding directive raises concerns of regulatory overreach

December 05, 2025 11:28 am

The SIM-binding directive has reopened the debate on the scope of the Telecom Act, and how far it allows the DoT to regulate OTT applications and internet services.

Despite SIM-binding, users of UPI apps are still susceptible to scams.

DoT’s SIM-binding directive: What it tries to fix, where experts say it falls short

December 04, 2025 1:07 pm

While the proponents of the directive claim that it makes traceability of scammers easier, experts have pointed out that SIM-binding could run into several technical hurdles in implementation.

Apple to resist DoT order to preload state-run app as political outcry builds

December 03, 2025 8:43 am

The order caused a furore both inside and outside Parliament on Tuesday, with a number of lawmakers accusing the government of introducing an app that would act as a snooping tool.

How scammers used ancient banking system to move Rs 7 lakh stolen from Delhi woman

October 24, 2025 1:14 pm

The Delhi Police discovered the new modus operandi while probing the case. Three people have been arrested so far

Modern deepfake travel scams go far beyond Photoshop.

When paradise doesn’t exist: AI-powered deepfake holidays are the new travel trap; here’s how to avoid them

October 01, 2025 6:31 pm

AI-generated resorts and experiences are luring travellers worldwide, and experts warn India could be next. Here’s how to spot the red flags before you book.

AI doctor scams: The doctors are real, but the sales pitches are frauds

September 07, 2025 9:15 am

While health care has long attracted quackery, AI tools developed by Big Tech are enabling the people behind these impersonations to reach millions online — and to profit from them.