In today’s digital world, where technology is advancing rapidly, it’s hard to keep up with both the innovations and the risks that come with them. One alarming trend is the rise of cyber fraud, particularly involving deepfake videos—manipulated media that can convincingly impersonate real people. Recently, Bengaluru became a hotspot for such scams, with two residents collectively losing Rs 95 lakh after falling for fraudulent videos featuring well-known Indian businessmen Narayana Murthy and Mukesh Ambani.
The cases, reported to the Cyber Economic and Narcotics (CEN) South police station, reveal how deepfake technology can mislead even the most cautious individuals.
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In the first case, a woman from Banashankari encountered a video on social media promoting an investment platform. The video featured Narayana Murthy, which gave it an air of credibility. Lured by the promise of high returns, she clicked on a suspicious link and provided her contact information on a fake website. An unknown individual then posed as an agent, convincing her to invest money. Initially, she invested Rs 1.4 lakh and received a small return of Rs 8,000, which prompted her to invest an additional Rs 6.7 lakh. Ultimately, she lost all her invested money, and later fell victim to another scam, losing Rs 67 lakh.
In a second case, a retired employee saw a deepfake video featuring Mukesh Ambani and, believing it to be authentic, clicked the link that led him to transfer Rs 19 lakh to fraudulent bank accounts. After sending the money, he never heard back from the scammers, realising too late that he had been tricked.
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The fraudsters employed advanced techniques to create realistic-looking videos that appeared genuine. They embedded suspicious links leading to fake investment platforms and made initial payouts to build trust, encouraging victims to invest even larger amounts.
These incidents highlight the critical need for vigilance in the digital age. It’s essential to verify information before engaging with online content, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and be aware of the signs of deepfake technology. By staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves from becoming victims of cyber fraud.