Daily Current Affairs : 21-October-2023
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recently initiated a significant operation called Operation Chakra-II to combat transnational organized cyber-enabled financial crimes in India. This operation aims to dismantle illegal call centers operated by criminals impersonating Microsoft and Amazon customer support.
Partnerships for a Stronger Front:
To effectively address this issue, the CBI has collaborated with global tech giants Microsoft and Amazon, along with national and international law enforcement agencies. This joint effort underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for a united front against cybercriminals. Key collaborations include partnerships with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States, the Cyber Crime Directorate and IFCACC of INTERPOL, the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the United Kingdom, the Singapore Police Force, and the BKA of Germany.
Tech Support Fraud: Understanding the Threat:
In these scams, criminals establish illegal call centers, posing as Microsoft and Amazon customer support representatives. They have targeted thousands of customers in the US, Canada, Germany, Australia, Spain, and the UK, compromising the safety and trust of these consumers.
Role of Microsoft and Amazon:
- Microsoft and Amazon are integral parts of Operation Chakra-II due to the alarming scale of these tech support frauds.
- Both companies have reported the targeting of their customers, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.
- Actionable partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon are crucial in protecting consumers from impersonation scams.
Safeguarding Against Impersonation Scams:
- Users must exercise caution and skepticism when receiving unsolicited tech support calls or messages.
- Avoid disclosing any personal or financial information to unknown callers, regardless of their claims.
- Microsoft and Amazon will work on the technical aspects to mitigate online threats, but user awareness is equally vital in curbing these cybercrimes.
Important Points:
- Operation Chakra-II Overview:
- Launched by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to combat transnational organized cyber-enabled financial crimes in India.
- Aims to dismantle illegal call centers impersonating Microsoft and Amazon customer support.
- Key Partnerships:
- Collaboration with global tech giants Microsoft and Amazon.
- Partnerships with international law enforcement agencies: FBI (United States), INTERPOL (Cyber Crime Directorate and IFCACC), NCA (United Kingdom), Singapore Police Force, and BKA (Germany).
- Tech Support Fraud:
- Criminals establish illegal call centers, posing as Microsoft and Amazon representatives.
- Targeted over 2,000 customers in the US, Canada, Germany, Australia, Spain, and the UK.
- Role of Microsoft and Amazon:
- Reporting of customer targeting, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.
- Actionable partnerships with these tech companies are crucial in protecting consumers from impersonation scams.
- Safeguarding Against Impersonation Scams:
- Exercise caution and skepticism with unsolicited tech support calls/messages.
- Avoid disclosing personal or financial information to unknown callers.
- User awareness is essential; do not trust unexpected tech support claims.
Why In News
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recently launched Operation Chakra-II, a high-profile nationwide initiative aimed at combating organized crime and corruption within the country. The operation, which involves rigorous investigative techniques and collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, underscores the CBI’s unwavering commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
MCQs about Operation Chakra-II
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Operation Chakra-II primarily aims to:
A. Combat transnational organized cyber-enabled financial crimes in India
B. Enhance global e-commerce partnerships
C. Regulate online tech support services
D. Promote digital literacy among consumers
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Why are partnerships with Microsoft and Amazon essential in Operation Chakra-II?
A. To increase sales of Microsoft and Amazon products
B. To improve customer service for Microsoft and Amazon users
C. To protect consumers from impersonation scams
D. To expand Microsoft and Amazon’s market presence in India
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How can individuals safeguard themselves against impersonation scams mentioned in the essay?
A. Provide personal information to unknown callers for verification
B. Trust all unsolicited tech support calls without skepticism
C. Exercise caution and skepticism with unsolicited tech support calls/messages
D. Disclose financial information only to tech support representatives claiming to be from Microsoft or Amazon
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Which international law enforcement agency is NOT mentioned as a partner in Operation Chakra-II?
A. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States
B. INTERPOL’s Cyber Crime Directorate and IFCACC
C. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Canada
D. Singapore Police Force
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