In recent months, Kerala has witnessed a surge in a devious form of fraud exploiting AI-driven ‘deepfake’ technology. With over 300 individuals losing a staggering Rs. 4 crore to these scammers, the state is grappling with a new wave of cybercrime. The AI scam targets vulnerable victims with enticing ‘work from home’ and ‘business at home opportunities. This article delves into the modus operandi of these fraudsters, how they employ deepfake technology, and the efforts by the Kerala Police to combat this menace.
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The Rising Tide of Scams
As per police reports, the number of cases could be significantly higher as not all incidents are reported. Kerala tops the list of states where these fraudulent activities are rampant, with online racketeers swindling residents out of an estimated Rs. 10 crores monthly. In a startling trend, women and homemakers are the primary targets of these scams.
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The Lure of ‘Work-from-Home’ Racketeers
The criminals initiate contact through WhatsApp or Facebook, offering job opportunities to work from home. They then lure the victims with the promise of earning rewards by watching business videos. However, the bait quickly becomes a trap as the victims get entangled in a web of tasks, accumulating points that ultimately lead to significant monetary demands.
The Ingenious Business Fraud
Another fraudulent scheme involves selling products from major brands, enticing victims with seemingly irresistible deals. The criminals create an illusion of genuine transactions, building confidence before offering opportunities for more substantial purchases. The victims soon feel betrayed as the social media group involved in the scam vanishes into thin air.
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The Menace of Deepfake Technology
Kerala Police recently investigated a case where scammers duped a victim of Rs 40,000 using AI-powered ‘deepfake’ technology. The scammer convincingly manipulated the victim into transferring money for a fabricated medical emergency by impersonating a former colleague through a video call. This sophisticated tactic presents a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies in tracing and apprehending the culprits.
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Kerala Police’s Pursuit of Justice
Kozhikode City cyber police have taken swift action, sending a team to Ahmedabad to track down the accused in the deepfake case. The investigation involves assessing the authenticity of the address registered at a Goa casino, which the perpetrator used to register the sim card used in the crime. Seeking assistance from Gujarat Police, Kerala Police is determined to bring the criminals to justice.
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Our Say
The rise of AI-driven ‘deepfake’ fraud seriously threatens individuals and their hard-earned money. As the number of victims increases and the financial losses soar, Kerala’s law enforcement agencies are stepping up their efforts to combat this insidious form of cybercrime. In the age of advanced technology, awareness and vigilance become crucial tools to protect oneself from these fraudulent schemes. By staying informed and adopting caution in online interactions, citizens can thwart the malicious intentions of scammers and make the digital world a safer place for everyone.
Sabreena Basheer is an architect-turned-writer who's passioante about documenting anything that interests her. She's currently exploring the world of AI and Data Science as a Content Manager at Analytics Vidhya.
