A recent report by the Union Home Ministry has revealed that WhatsApp is the most commonly used platform for cyber frauds, followed by Telegram and Instagram. The findings highlight the increasing use of social media platforms by online scammers to exploit unsuspecting users.
WhatsApp Leads Cyber Crime Complaints in 2024
In the first quarter of 2024 alone, a staggering 43,797 complaints were received regarding cyber frauds conducted via WhatsApp. This was followed by Telegram, with 22,680 complaints, and Instagram, with 19,800. These numbers underscore the growing threat posed by online scams on these platforms.
Cyber Fraud and Scams: A Global Issue
The Home Ministry’s annual report for 2023-24 also sheds light on the alarming rise of scams facilitated through Google services. One prominent scam, known as the “Pig Butchering Scam” or “Investment Scam,” targets vulnerable individuals, including unemployed youths, housewives, and students, leading them to lose significant amounts of money, often borrowed funds. This scam, which involves large-scale money laundering and even cyber slavery, has become a global phenomenon.
Cyber Criminals Use Google and Social Media Platforms for Scams
The report highlights the role of Google’s advertising platform in aiding cyber criminals. The platform allows for targeted advertising across borders, which has been exploited by fraudsters to spread malicious ads. Additionally, platforms like Facebook have also been misused to launch illegal lending apps, with scammers utilizing sponsored ads to promote these fraudulent services.
In response, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has partnered with Google and Facebook to share intelligence and identify threats, such as digital lending apps and the abuse of Google’s Firebase domains by cyber criminals. These platforms are working together to proactively flag and remove such scams.
Building Capacity in Cyber Crime Prevention
The report also mentions the ongoing efforts to strengthen the criminal justice system’s capacity to handle cyber crimes. I4C is conducting training programs for law enforcement agencies, forensic examiners, prosecutors, and judges across the country. These initiatives aim to enhance cybersecurity skills and improve the investigation and prosecution of cybercrimes.
As cyber scams continue to evolve, it is crucial for individuals to stay vigilant and for authorities to continue strengthening their efforts in combating these crimes across digital platforms.
