Scammers Exploit Telecom, CBI Identities, Defraud Rs 2.5 Crore

Scams continue to evolve and exploit vulnerabilities across different sectors, from telecommunications in India to job offers and home repairs in the US and Australia. In India, fraudsters impersonate officials from bodies like TRAI and CBI, using sophisticated technology and psychological tactics such as VoIP calls and IVR systems to intimidate victims into sharing sensitive information, leading to significant financial losses. In the US, text message scams, particularly fake job offers, have surged, with losses reaching $470 million in 2024, exacerbated by economic uncertainty and the rise of AI-generated realistic scam texts. Meanwhile, in Australia, the home repair industry faces a rise in "catfish tradies" who lure clients with deceptively low quotes and false credentials, only to overcharge and deliver substandard work, exploiting homeowners’ lack of knowledge and trust. Across these cases, scammers leverage technology and social engineering to deceive victims, emphasizing the need for consumer vigilance and better awareness of scam tactics. The growing prevalence of these scams underscores the importance for individuals and brands to stay informed and cautious in interactions involving personal data, employment offers, and service providers.