In a distressing incident in Delhi’s Yamuna Vihar, an elderly man fell victim to cybercriminals who employed advanced voice cloning technology, resulting in a financial loss of Rs.50,000. The elaborate scam unfolded when the victim, Lakshmi Chand Chawla, received a WhatsApp message on October 24 from an unknown number. The message claimed that his cousin’s son had been kidnapped and included a chilling recording of the child’s voice, crafted with AI, pleading for help. Panicked and convinced of the imminent threat, Chawla promptly complied with the scammers’ demands, transferring the substantial sum via Paytm. The truth unraveled when he contacted the child’s parents, discovering that their son was safe at home. This incident sheds light on the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by cybercriminals, specifically deepfake technology and voice cloning, in executing sophisticated scams.
Deepfake technology utilizes AI algorithms to create convincing manipulated videos, audios, and images, often indistinguishable from genuine content. This enables scammers to superimpose faces onto different bodies or fabricate videos, manipulating speeches or actions to deceive victims. Similarly, voice cloning technology allows cybercriminals to mimic voices with remarkable accuracy, creating audio recordings that impersonate trusted individuals. Despite the surge in AI-enabled cybercrimes, law enforcement agencies in India, including the police in Delhi, face challenges in keeping pace with these technological advancements. The complexity of these crimes hampers detection and prevention efforts, and the rapid evolution of these technologies makes it challenging for authorities to counteract fraudulent activities effectively.
To address this, Indian law enforcement is working to enhance its capabilities by investing in the training of personnel with specialized skills in AI and digital forensics. Collaborations with technology experts, researchers, and industry professionals aim to develop tools and methodologies for identifying and mitigating the risks posed by AI-based cybercrimes. This incident has raised concerns within the community, emphasizing the growing threat of cybercrime in the capital.
Recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau reveals a substantial increase in cybercrime cases in Delhi, prompting the Delhi Police to take proactive measures. They have launched awareness campaigns and identified the five most common cybercrime methods used to exploit unsuspecting individuals: Fake TRAI or FedEx courier company callers, Home job or Telegram fraud, Sextortion, Fake family member or friend in distress, OTP or link-based cheating.
The Delhi Police’s Cyber Crime Unit advises citizens to remain vigilant, never share personal information with strangers, verify suspicious communication, and avoid clicking on unknown links. Reporting instances of cybercrime immediately is crucial for apprehending perpetrators and preventing further harm. This incident underscores the evolving nature of cybercrime and the importance of adopting safe online practices to collectively combat this growing threat.
