Rising deepfake scams in Bengaluru: Police step up awareness efforts

In the last month, Bengaluru has witnessed a sharp rise in deepfake cases, with the helpline number 1930 flooded with complaints. Scamsters are using AI technology to manipulate photos and videos, targeting vulnerable individuals. These criminals gain access to personal mobile phones by sending fraudulent links, which, when clicked, allow them to steal private information, including photos.

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Once they have the victim's pictures, the scammers use deepfake technology to create inappropriate images, often depicting the person in vulgar or compromising situations, such as being half-naked or engaging in prurient activities. They then threaten the victims with these altered images, demanding extortion payments ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. In many cases, victims, under pressure, resort to taking loans to pay the scammers.

Some scammers even go a step further by contacting victims via video calls, building trust before demanding money. The police have acknowledged the rising threat and are working diligently to spread awareness among the public. They have released a video outlining the tactics used by fraudsters and how individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to such scams.

Authorities are urging citizens to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited links or calls and to report suspicious activity immediately to prevent further victimization.