Digital frauds (also called cyber frauds) are illegal activities carried out using the internet, digital platforms, or electronic devices to deceive individuals, organizations, or systems for financial or personal gain. Here are the main types of digital frauds:
1. Phishing and Smishing
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Phishing: Fake emails or websites tricking users into giving passwords, banking details, or credit card numbers.
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Smishing: Similar, but through SMS or messaging apps.
2. Identity Theft
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Stealing personal details (Aadhaar, Social Security Number, passport details, etc.) to open accounts, take loans, or commit crimes in someone else’s name.
3. Credit Card/Debit Card Fraud
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Unauthorized use of stolen or skimmed card details to make purchases or withdraw money.
4. Online Banking Fraud
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Fraudsters hack or trick users into revealing banking credentials to transfer funds illegally.
5. Investment and Ponzi Scams
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Fake online investment platforms or schemes that promise high returns but steal investors’ money.
6. E-commerce and Online Shopping Fraud
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Fake shopping websites, counterfeit products, non-delivery scams, or payment redirection frauds.
7. Lottery, Job, and Dating Scams
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Fake emails/messages claiming lottery wins, fake job offers, or romance scams to extract money or personal details.
8. Ransomware and Malware Attacks
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Malicious software locks or steals data, demanding ransom payments for restoration.
9. Account Takeover Fraud
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Fraudsters gain control of a victim’s online account (email, social media, banking, etc.) and misuse it.
10. Business Email Compromise (BEC)
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Fraudsters impersonate CEOs, managers, or suppliers through fake emails to trick employees into transferring money.
11. SIM Swapping Fraud
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Fraudsters trick telecom operators into transferring a victim’s phone number to a new SIM to intercept OTPs and banking credentials.
12. Cryptocurrency and Forex Scams
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Fake crypto exchanges, wallets, or “pump-and-dump” schemes to lure victims into losing money.
13. Click Fraud & Advertising Fraud
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Bots or fake users click ads repeatedly, draining advertiser budgets or generating fake ad revenue.
14. Deepfake & Social Engineering Fraud
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Manipulated videos/voices used to impersonate people, tricking others into financial or reputational harm.