Ahmedabad Sees Rise in AI-Powered Cyber Fraud, Deepfake Scams
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven cyber fraud is witnessing a sharp rise, with experts warning that cybercriminals are increasingly using deepfake technology, voice cloning and stolen personal data to target victims without triggering conventional security alerts such as OTPs.
According to cybersecurity experts, AI-based cybercrime cases have tripled over the past two years, while globally, AI-enabled cyber fraud has increased by 87 per cent. Fraudsters are increasingly exploiting publicly available photographs, videos and voice samples from social media platforms to impersonate victims and gain unauthorised access to financial services.
Deepfake Used to Bypass Verification
Experts said cybercriminals use AI tools to create realistic deepfake videos and cloned voices after collecting a person's facial images or voice recordings through social media, messaging apps or phone calls.
These AI-generated identities are then allegedly used to bypass Know Your Customer (KYC) verification processes, open fraudulent bank accounts, obtain loans or carry out unauthorised financial transactions.
Ahmedabad Case Highlights New Modus Operandi
A recent case in Ahmedabad highlighted the growing threat, where cyber fraudsters allegedly misused an individual's Aadhaar details to change the registered mobile number, gain access to DigiLocker and attempt to open bank accounts and obtain online loans without the victim's knowledge.
The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Cell arrested four accused from Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara and Bharuch in connection with the case. Investigators alleged that the accused received fake profiles from masterminds based outside Gujarat before carrying out identity theft and financial fraud.
Social Media Users Most Vulnerable
Cybersecurity experts warned that fraudsters typically identify victims through platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, job portals and dating applications. They may persuade users to appear on video calls, record facial movements and voice samples, and later use AI-powered tools to generate convincing deepfake content.
The fabricated videos and digital identities can deceive automated verification systems and facilitate financial fraud.
Government Issues Advisory
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has advised citizens to protect their biometric information and personal photographs, regularly monitor email and banking notifications, and immediately report suspicious financial transactions or mobile network disruptions to the cybercrime authorities and telecom service providers.
Experts have also urged people to avoid sharing sensitive personal information online and to remain vigilant against unsolicited video calls or requests for identity verification.
