The Infamous Aryan Anand Lehigh University Case : Cyber Fraud

Recently everywhere we are reading and hearing about cyber fraud cases and what should we do if we get caught in a Cyber Fraud. In this article, we will explore the case of  A 19-year-old Indian student, Aryan Anand. Anand has reached a plea deal with American authorities after being charged with falsifying records to gain admission to Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. Anand, who submitted fake documents to secure his place for the 2023-2024 academic year, will now return to India under the terms of the agreement.

According to a report in the Lehigh University’s student newspaper 'The Brown and White', said last month that a police investigation had found that Anand had falsified admission and financial aid documents. He had even faked his father’s death certificate as part of the conspiracy to obtain admission and scholarship. This fraud came out in spotlight  through a Reddit post. After that He was arrested and charged with a second-degree felony for forgery and tampering with records or identification, a third-degree felony for theft by deception, and a third-degree felony for thrift of services.

Let’s Understand Cyber fraud:

Cyber fraud is the most common and threatening form of fraud which takes place internationally. The cyber world has been expanding and growing throughout the twenty-first century, allowing fraudsters to hack victims’ personal and financial information in a variety of ways. Fraudsters can use the information which they gather to then financially fund themselves, or worryingly they might use this money to fund terrorism. Therefore, it is essential that individuals and organizations are aware of how to protect themselves against cyber fraud.

Cyber fraud is when a person deceives people on the internet to steal their money or personal details. It involves scams such as fake emails (phishing), card details theft, identity theft, and hacking. Scammers can pose as banks, companies, or even friends to obtain sensitive details such as passwords or credit card numbers.

Many people have received messages that they won a prize or need to update their account details these are typical cyber fraud tactics. With more people shopping and banking online, these scams are becoming increasingly popular. To be safe, use strong passwords, don't give personal details to strangers, and don't click on strange links. Always verify if a website or message is genuine before providing any information.

Cyber fraud can affect anyone, so being cautious and aware is necessary. The more we know about online scams, the better we can protect ourselves from being victims.

Here are some Commonly used Cyber Fraud Techniques:

Phishing:

Phishing is a cyberattack that leverages email, phone, SMS, social media or other form of personal communication to entice users to click a malicious link, download infected files or reveal personal information, such as passwords or account numbers.

Spoofing:

Spoofing is a broad term for the type of behavior that involves a cybercriminal masquerading as a trusted entity or device to get you to do something beneficial to the hacker — and detrimental to you. Any time an online scammer disguises their identity as something else, it’s spoofing.

Malware:

Very common method of Banking fraud comes in the form of Malicious software which infiltrates the Computer systems and stays undetected by firewalls. Some viruses can detect keystrokes, redirect to specific websites and some can spam the inbox. Increase security by constantly updating the antivirus software, use dedicated computer for personal banking and online transactions. Enable pop-up blocker in your browser.

Online shopping scams:

Scammers use the latest technology to set up fake retailer websites that look like genuine online retail stores. They may use sophisticated designs and layouts, possibly stolen logos, and even a domain name similar to an authentic retailer. Online shopping scams involve scammers pretending to be legitimate online sellers, either with a fake website or a fake ad on a genuine retailer site.

Identity Theft:

Happens when personal information is stolen and used by fraudster to commit fraud or other crimes. Common methods of stealing identity include social engineering (tricking you to give up personal information), hacking, spoof emails etc. Safeguarding Practices include reporting to the Bank immediately when debit card/cheque is lost or stolen, changing online passwords frequently and reviewing card statements periodically to ensure that there are no unknown transactions

Cyber fraud is a rising issue that affects individuals everywhere in the world. Instances such as Aryan Anand's reveal how cyber fraud can be of various types, ranging from forged documents to identity theft. Scammers use various tactics, including phishing emails, malware, and duplicate websites, to steal money or information. With increasingly more individuals shopping, banking, and studying online, the risk of cyber fraud continues to grow.

To be safe, always use strong passwords, never click on any dubious link, and check websites before giving personal details. If you ever fall prey to cyber fraud, report the matter immediately to the police or your bank. Awareness is the best way to overcome cyber scams. The more we are aware of such threats, the better we will be able to protect ourselves and others. Being cautious and vigilant can help us stay away from the trap of cybercriminals in the new era.