Imagine This:
Riya, a 28-year-old marketing professional from Mumbai, receives a text message warning that her electricity bill is overdue. It claims her connection will be cut in 24 hours unless she clicks a link to “pay now.”
She taps it without thinking. Enters her bank details.
Within seconds, ₹96,000 vanishes from her account.
No robbers. No breaking in. Just a simple message and psychological pressure.
Welcome to the era of invisible crime.
It all started with a single click.
What Is Cybercrime, Really?
Forget the Hollywood image of a hooded hacker in a dark room. Cybercrime today is more subtle, more psychological — and far more dangerous.
Cybercrime includes:
- Data theft
- Social engineering
- Financial fraud
- Cyberterrorism
- Identity theft
Essentially, any illegal activity involving a computer, digital device, or network falls under this umbrella. It spans from phishing emails and malware to massive corporate data breaches.
And today, everyone — from a college student to a CEO — is a potential target.
Cyberterrorism: The Dark Side of Digital Warfare
Cyberterrorism refers to criminal activities carried out using digital platforms to create disruption or fear. These include:
- Viruses, worms, and malicious software
- Network disruption
- Phishing and email scams
- Harassment through online content
As digital dependency grows, cybercriminals have more tools—and fewer boundaries.
Computers as a Tool of Crime
Many cybercrimes don’t require expert hacking skills. Instead, they exploit human vulnerability.
Crimes that use computers as a tool include:
- Phishing
- Spam and fake emails
- Identity theft
- Online fraud and impersonation
- Sharing offensive, obscene, or threatening content
These are traditional crimes, repackaged for a digital audience—harder to trace, easier to scale.
Social Media Scam: The “Friend in Need” Trap
Ravi, a college student from Karnataka, got a panicked message from a friend on Instagram asking for money. Luckily, Ravi called him before transferring funds — his friend’s account had been hacked.
This is a classic example of social engineering: exploiting trust to commit fraud.
New-Age Threats You Should Know
1. Deepfake Scams
AI-powered deepfakes can clone your voice, face, and mannerisms using just a few seconds of audio or video. A UAE bank manager once transferred $35 million after a deepfake call mimicked his boss’s voice.
Scary? Very.
2. QR Code Fraud
QR codes are everywhere — but you can’t see where they lead until you scan.
Fraudsters can:
- Paste fake QR codes over real ones.
- Send malicious codes via email.
- Place fraudulent QR stickers on packages or donation boxes.
3. SIM Swapping
In this method, attackers trick your mobile provider into issuing a duplicate SIM card linked to your number. Once done, they can:
- Receive your OTPs
- Access your banking and social media accounts
- Lock you out entirely
Simple Cyber Hygiene Tips You Can Start Today
1. Don’t Click Suspicious Links
- Hover before clicking: Check if the link matches the sender’s claimed identity.
- Look for typos: Sites like “paypa1.com” (with a ‘1’ instead of ‘l’) are traps.
- Beware of urgency: Messages like “account will be blocked in 12 hours” are classic scare tactics.
2. Don’t Share OTPs or PINs Over Calls or Messages
Legitimate institutions never ask for:
- OTPs
- Passwords
- PINs
- CVV numbers
If you get such a request—disconnect the call.
3. Report Suspicious Activity Immediately
- Save your bank’s emergency helpline.
- Call the national Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
- Report incidents on the Government portal:
www.cybercrime.gov.in
4. Enable Banking Alerts & Review Weekly
- Turn on SMS/email alerts for all transactions.
- Review statements every week.
- Use banking apps with real-time notifications.
- Report suspicious activity within the bank’s reversal window.
The Digital Jungle: Stay Alert, Not Afraid
Let’s be honest—navigating the internet today is like walking through a glittery jungle. One moment you’re watching cat videos, the next a scammer is trying to sweet-talk your OTP out of you.
In this new world:
- Criminals don’t need guns — they need convincing text.
- They don’t break into banks — they break into minds.
- A simple email saying “Your account is blocked” can create enough panic to make you click.
Your Survival Mantra in the Digital Age
- Be skeptical — like a cat inspecting a cucumber.
- Verify before you trust — don’t fall for urgency or emotional manipulation.
- If your “boss” calls at 2 a.m. asking for ₹10 lakhs in Bitcoin… call back and confirm.
Cybersecurity isn’t about becoming paranoid or tech-savvy overnight. It’s about staying calm, alert, and thinking before clicking.
So remember:
- Lock your digital doors.
- Don’t trust strangers with your OTP.
- And no — Amitabh Bachchan is not asking you for your UPI PIN.
Stay smart. Stay safe.
The power to prevent cybercrime begins with you.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, Bisani Legal and its representatives are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any outcomes resulting from reliance on this information. Readers are advised to consult a qualified legal professional for specific legal guidance related to their individual property matters. The use of this article does not establish an attorney-client relationship between the reader and Bisani Legal.
Published by: Mr. Saket bisani
Date: 01/08/2025
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