Kerala man falls victim to AI-based deepfake scam, loses Rs 40,000
In a deepfake scam known to the victim, a man from Kozhikode, Kerala, lost ₹40,000 to an AI-based deception
Kozhikode, July 18: A man in Kozhikode, Kerala, fell prey to an artificial intelligence-based scam, resulting in a loss of Rs 40,000. Police investigations revealed that the scam involved a deepfake, wherein the perpetrator impersonated someone known to the victim.
The incident unfolded when Radhakrishnan received a video call on WhatsApp from an unknown number. The person on the other end closely resembled one of Radhakrishnan's former colleagues from Andhra Pradesh. During the call, the individual requested Rs 40,000 via Google Pay, citing the need for funds to assist a relative in the hospital. Suspicion arose when an additional demand for Rs 30,000 was made, prompting Radhakrishnan to report the incident to the Cyber Police.
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As artificial intelligence continues to advance, scammers are exploiting its capabilities to impersonate individuals, blurring the line between reality and deception. AI technology enables the analysis and manipulation of facial images and voice recordings, facilitating the creation of realistic deepfake videos that convincingly mimic someone's appearance and voice.
Similar instances have been reported globally, highlighting the severity of the issue. In a shocking incident from China in May, a scammer employed AI-powered face-swapping technology to impersonate a friend during a video call and successfully received a transfer of 4.3 million yuan ($622,000).
Experts have cautioned the public about such scams, providing helpful tips to stay safe. It is recommended to carefully examine the video quality, as deepfake videos often exhibit poor resolution. Additionally, attentive viewers may notice that deepfake videos loop back to the beginning after a certain duration or abruptly stop, indicating their falsified nature. It is advisable to independently verify the identity of individuals through separate means before engaging in any financial transactions based on a video call.
Remaining vigilant and employing these precautionary measures can help individuals protect themselves against AI-based deepfake scams, safeguarding their financial assets and personal information.
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