Fraud calls from Pakistan numbers rise amid new malware threat
Times of India | 14 May 2025
Kolkata: Even cyberspace is witnessing a war, with allegations of organised Pakistani hacking groups attempting to hack leading websites. Indian intelligence agencies uncovered a Pakistan-linked cyber-attack campaign involving a dangerous malware named Dance of the Hillary.According to Punjab and Maharashtra cops, this malware is being spread via popular social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and email. It infiltrates smartphones through video or document files and, once opened, can access sensitive user data such as banking information, passwords, and personal details. The malware may also enable remote control of infected devices.However, the "war" is not just limited to organised malware attacks. There is also a major spike in individual attempts to deceive victims with hoax calls. Both Kolkata Police's cyber cell and Bengal Police, led by the CID and the Cyber Crime Unit (CCU), have now listed the do's and don'ts on how to deal with such calls."One form is to flood your phone with fake news to make it sound ‘believable'. Similarly, fraudulent extortion calls from +92 (Pakistan ISD number) have seen a sudden jump as tension rose between the two nations post the Pahalgam attacks, with fraudsters using two modus operandi — threatening digital arrest of the victims or threatening that their son/daughter was detained by police/central agencies," said a police source.In a fresh post on their social media page, cops have even provided an example of the crime so that it is easily understandable for citizens. At the end, they also shared tips to avoid falling victim to such crimes. "Always trust only official sources for information or govt instructions. Always check official sources before forwarding. Immediately report fake news. Do not share any news on troop movement or plans. Do not share any communal or offensive content under any circumstances," the police stated."It is a warning about the clever tactics that cybercriminals use to exploit emotions and technology gaps. Always double-check any claims made by unknown callers, especially those pretending to be from the police. No legitimate officer demands money via phone calls. The caller's number, for example, like +92, should send an alarm to the potential victim. Stay calm. Panic can lead to poor decisions," they wrote."Always try to contact the person projected as the victim and remain composed before taking action. Contact local police. Educate family members. Make sure that elderly family members are aware of potential scams and know how to avoid them. Call 1930 — the national cybercrime portal — and the divisional cyber cell and lodge an FIR," they added.Police said that even the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), earlier this year, issued an advisory to citizens about calls from foreign numbers, especially from Pakistan. According to the ministry, these calls are being received by citizens wherein callers, initially, in the name of DoT, threatened mobile users that their numbers would be disconnected. Kolkata: Even cyberspace is witnessing a war, with allegations of organised Pakistani hacking groups attempting to hack leading websites. Indian intelligence agencies uncovered a Pakistan-linked cyber-attack campaign involving a dangerous malware named Dance of the Hillary. According to Punjab and Maharashtra cops, this malware is being spread via popular social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and email. It infiltrates smartphones through video or document files and, once opened, can access sensitive user data such as banking information, passwords, and personal details. The malware may also enable remote control of infected devices.However, the "war" is not just limited to organised malware attacks. There is also a major spike in individual attempts to deceive victims with hoax calls. Both Kolkata Police's cyber cell and Bengal Police, led by the CID and the Cyber Crime Unit (CCU), have now listed the do's and don'ts on how to deal with such calls."One form is to flood your phone with fake news to make it sound ‘believable'. Similarly, fraudulent extortion calls from +92 (Pakistan ISD number) have seen a sudden jump as tension rose between the two nations post the Pahalgam attacks, with fraudsters using two modus operandi — threatening digital arrest of the victims or threatening that their son/daughter was detained by police/central agencies," said a police source.In a fresh post on their social media page, cops have even provided an example of the crime so that it is easily understandable for citizens. At the end, they also shared tips to avoid falling victim to such crimes. "Always trust only official sources for information or govt instructions. Always check official sources before forwarding. Immediately report fake news. Do not share any news on troop movement or plans. Do not share any communal or offensive content under any circumstances," the police stated."It is a warning about the clever tactics that cybercriminals use to exploit emotions and technology gaps. Always double-check any claims made by unknown callers, especially those pretending to be from the police. No legitimate officer demands money via phone calls. The caller's number, for example, like +92, should send an alarm to the potential victim. Stay calm. Panic can lead to poor decisions," they wrote."Always try to contact the person projected as the victim and remain composed before taking action. Contact local police. Educate family members. Make sure that elderly family members are aware of potential scams and know how to avoid them. Call 1930 — the national cybercrime portal — and the divisional cyber cell and lodge an FIR," they added.Police said that even the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), earlier this year, issued an advisory to citizens about calls from foreign numbers, especially from Pakistan. According to the ministry, these calls are being received by citizens wherein callers, initially, in the name of DoT, threatened mobile users that their numbers would be disconnected.