Visionary Vigilance: Cybersecurity Weekly Digest – Episode 21
Blog post description.In today’s digitally connected world, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting human trust, emotions, and technological vulnerabilities. As our dependence on the internet grows for everything—from banking and shopping to communication and spiritual practices—so too does the threat posed by malicious actors operating in the shadows of cyberspace. What’s particularly alarming is how these criminals are no longer just targeting large corporations or government institutions; everyday individuals, families, and small businesses have become prime targets. From fake religious websites that play on people's faith, to international money laundering operations disguised as lucrative investment opportunities, cybercrime is no longer a niche issue—it’s a nationwide concern. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most shocking and revealing cybercrime cases -
CYBERCRIME
Shivam Dharpure
6/16/20252 min read
🔍 Ayodhya Scam: Faith Meets Fraud
In one of the most emotionally charged scams this year, a con artist posed as a U.S. professor and lured over 6 lakh devotees with a fake website offering Ram Lalla’s prasad delivery. Over ₹3.85 crore was collected under the guise of a spiritual offering. The scam is a wake-up call on how sacred trust can be exploited digitally.
🚨 Fake Cyber Cops in Mumbai: ₹31.73 Lakh Robbery
A gang in Navi Mumbai impersonated cyber police to rob a man of ₹31.73 lakh. They abducted the victim from an ATM kiosk and dumped him after a violent robbery. The accused were tracked down within 36 hours. Digital disguise is the new mask of criminals.
📜 RTI Rights Restored: Gujarat Info Commission Orders Transparency
A ₹4.5 lakh cyber fraud victim was denied access to investigation records citing CID’s RTI exemption. The Gujarat Information Commission overruled the exemption, pushing for greater transparency in routine cybercrime investigations. A landmark step toward victim justice.
🌍 Kakinada to Dubai: The ₹8.8 Crore Mule Account Web
Cyber syndicates used locals in Andhra Pradesh to open bank accounts used for laundering ₹8.8 crore. These mule accounts spanned Bengaluru to Dubai. Victims, lured by monthly payouts, unknowingly became conduits for cybercrime.
💸 Crypto Nightmare: Kharghar Woman Loses ₹1.03 Crore
Duped by a Facebook ad promoting crypto investments, a woman sold her house and invested her father's savings. When the scam unfolded, only ₹3.5 lakh was returned while more money was demanded. A modern cautionary tale.
🛡️ Pimpri-Chinchwad's Cyber Crackdown
With 135 arrests and a 90% resolution rate, Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Cyber Cell is setting the bar. Scammers targeting this IT hub with fake share investments and WhatsApp frauds have met their match.
⚠️ Kashmir Cyber Police Fight Fake News
Cyber Police Kashmir issued legal warnings against misinformation campaigns. Fake news, used to incite unrest, will now be countered with legal action. The war against cyber chaos is real.
🤖 ChatGPT Misused by Global Threat Actors
ChatGPT was used by state-linked actors from North Korea and China to craft phishing lures, malware, and fake job applications. AI isn’t just a tool for good—it’s a double-edged sword.
🕵️♂️ M&S Hacked: ₹300M Ransomware Attack
Hackers emailed M&S’s CEO directly, gloating after encrypting servers and stealing customer data. The result? A six-week disruption and losses nearing £300 million.
📣 Final Thoughts
The evolving nature of cybercrime—from deep emotional exploitation to AI-powered deception. As attackers get smarter, so must our awareness. Stay informed, verify twice, and share this digest to empower others.
Until next week, stay vigilant with Visionary Bose. 💻🌐
By: Shivam Dharpure
Founder & Director