The Rise of a High-Tech Threat
Indian authorities, including the Ministry of Home Affairs' Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), have issued a nationwide alert about a sophisticated new form of financial fraud. Scammers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to create 'deepfake' videos
of prominent political leaders, such as the Prime Minister and state Chief Ministers, to lend credibility to fraudulent schemes. These manipulated videos, which are convincingly realistic, are being spread through advertisements on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. They exploit the trust people have in public figures to promote non-existent government welfare programs and cashback offers, designed solely to trick citizens into sending money.
How the Scam Unfolds
The process typically begins when a user sees an ad featuring a deepfake video of a politician announcing a new benefit scheme. The ad prompts the user to click a link, which directs them to a fraudulent website, a WhatsApp chat, or a phone number. Once contact is made, the fraudsters, sometimes calling from international numbers, convince the victim they are eligible for financial assistance. To receive the funds, however, the victim is told they must first pay a series of fees for 'registration', 'processing', or 'taxes'. These small payments are designed to add up, leading to significant financial losses as the promised government aid never materialises. Another variation involves 'spin-and-win' contests where victims are tricked into entering their UPI PIN to 'receive' a prize, which instead authorises a payment to the scammers.
Red Flags: How to Spot a Deepfake Scam
While AI technology is rapidly improving, there are still ways to protect yourself. The most important defence is scepticism. Be wary of any offer that seems too good to be true. Visually, older deepfakes might show unnatural blinking, poor lip-syncing, or odd-looking distortions around the face, but newer versions are much harder to detect. The biggest red flags are behavioural. Does the offer create a sense of extreme urgency? Are you being asked to pay a fee to receive a benefit? Official government schemes do not require registration or processing fees paid via UPI to unknown individuals. A UPI PIN is only ever used to send money, not to receive it. Any request for your PIN to get a cashback is a definite scam.
Verification Is Your Best Defence
The core principle to stay safe is to 'hang up and call back'. If you see an offer, no matter how convincing the video, do not act on it immediately. Independently verify the existence of any government scheme by visiting the official website of the concerned ministry or department. Do not trust links or phone numbers provided in social media ads. Be extremely cautious about sharing personal information like your Aadhaar number, PAN, or bank details with anyone online or over the phone. It is also crucial to educate family members, especially older relatives who may be more trusting and less familiar with this type of digital manipulation. Teach them to question unsolicited offers and to always verify information through official channels before sharing details or making payments.
What to Do If You Are Targeted
If you suspect you have encountered a deepfake scam or have become a victim, it is vital to act quickly. First, do not share the fraudulent message or video further. Take screenshots of the advertisement, the website, and any conversations as evidence. Report the fraudulent account or advertisement directly on the social media platform where you saw it. Most importantly, report the incident immediately to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in or by calling the national helpline number 1930. Filing a complaint promptly can help authorities track the fraudsters and potentially prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
