Drabanti Ghosh

A chain message telling Facebook users to post a declaration to block Meta from using their photos and data is false. No such policy exists, and privacy is managed through official settings. Image Credit: Brand Hopper A viral message is spreading across Facebook, urging users to copy and paste a statement on their profile to […]

Image Credits: Created by ChatGPT Why This Matters QR codes have become part of everyday life from paying at a tea stall to scanning tickets at events. They’re fast, convenient, and everywhere. But that’s exactly why scammers love them too. A harmless-looking square can actually be a gateway to fraud. At Fact Crescendo, we’ve been […]

Image Credit: Google Gemini In recent months, cybercriminals have become increasingly sophisticated in exploiting people’s fear of law enforcement to swindle them of their life savings. A recent case in Mumbai illustrates this alarming trend. The Incident: How Fear Became a Tool for Fraud A 75-year-old man from Mumbai was duped of ₹70 lakh in […]

Image Credit: Google Gemini Old coins often carry sentimental value, but lately, they’ve also become bait for online fraud. Across India, scammers are running ads on Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp claiming that ordinary coins like a ₹2 cupro-nickel coin could fetch ₹5 lakh or more. For many, it feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to turn […]

A viral Facebook message claiming users must post a disclaimer to stop Meta from using their photos is false and recycled misinformation. A long-circulating rumor resurfaced on Facebook, alarming users with claims that Meta had signed a “new Facebook rule” granting the company rights to users’ photos and personal data starting “tomorrow.” The posts urged […]

The fake clipping resurfaced after PM Narendra Modi recently appealed to citizens to reduce non-essential gold purchases amid economic concerns. A viral image allegedly showing the front page of The Hindu dated 6 June 1967 is circulating widely on social media. The clipping claims that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had urged citizens to stop […]

The rise of artificial intelligence has made digital fraud more convincing than ever. A recent cyber fraud case from Bengaluru highlights how scammers are increasingly using deepfake technology and fake investment advertisements to deceive people into transferring money. In this case, an 80-year-old senior advocate from Devanahalli allegedly lost over ₹40,000 after watching a manipulated […]

Cyber fraud in India is evolving rapidly, and many people unknowingly become part of these criminal networks. Recent investigations across several states have revealed a growing dependence on “mule accounts”, ordinary bank accounts used to move stolen money during online scams. Fact Crescendo (Factree) analysed recent cybercrime cases to understand how mule accounts work, why […]

Public fear and uncertainty are increasingly becoming tools for cybercriminals. A recent advisory issued by Delhi Police highlights how fraudsters are exploiting rumours of LPG cylinder shortages to target unsuspecting citizens through fake calls, malicious links, and fraudulent mobile applications. Fact Crescendo and Factree analysed this emerging scam pattern to understand how panic-driven misinformation fuels […]

A recent cybercrime case from Bengaluru highlights how casually sharing banking access, even with someone trusted, can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. An engineering student allegedly found himself linked to cyber fraud transactions worth nearly ₹7 crore after allowing a friend to temporarily use his bank account. According to the complaint, the student […]