Cyber fraud using deepfake technology has struck Bengaluru, where two residents recently lost a combined Rs 95 lakh after trusting videos featuring famous Indian businessmen Mukesh Ambani and Narayana Murthy. These manipulated videos, designed to look convincingly real, led unsuspecting viewers to fraudulent investment schemes.
Case 1: A Costly Scam
In Banashankari, a woman came across a deepfake video of Narayana Murthy promoting a high-return investment platform. The video appeared authentic, prompting her to click a link and share her contact information on a fake website. Soon, an “agent” contacted her, encouraging her to invest. Initially, she invested Rs 1.4 lakh and received a small payout of Rs 8,000. This initial return boosted her confidence, and she went on to invest Rs 6.7 lakh, followed by an additional Rs 67 lakh in another scam, only to lose it all.
Case 2: A Retired Employee Scammed
In a second case, a retired Bengaluru resident fell for a deepfake video of Mukesh Ambani endorsing an investment opportunity. Trusting its authenticity, he followed the link and ended up transferring Rs 19 lakh to fraudsters. Only after losing contact with them did he realize he had been duped.
Cybercrime Escalation: Sophisticated Tactics
The fraudsters utilized deepfake videos and fake investment platforms, embedding links that led unsuspecting victims to carefully crafted scams. They built initial trust with small payouts, making the victims feel secure enough to invest larger amounts.
These cases serve as a warning to stay vigilant online. With deepfake scams on the rise, it’s essential to verify the authenticity of online content, be cautious of unfamiliar links, and recognize the signs of manipulated media. In today’s digital age, informed and cautious behavior is our best defense against cyber fraud.
