Scam Alert: Smiling on a video call can be costly, a new cyber fraud using AI..
As technology advances rapidly today, cyber fraudsters are devising increasingly sophisticated methods to dupe people. They have now begun leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for this purpose. In light of this threat, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre—operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs—has issued a crucial advisory.
According to the advisory, exercise caution if an unknown person offers you a job and asks for a video call, specifically requesting that you look at the camera, turn your head, blink, or speak during the conversation. A moment of carelessness on your part can become a potent weapon for cyber fraudsters. Cybercriminals are now using AI to create deepfake videos and fake digital identities, which they use to attempt unauthorized access to people's bank accounts and financial services.
How cyber fraudsters operate:
Understanding the modus operandi
Initial Contact
Fraudsters contact individuals via social media, WhatsApp and other messaging apps, job portals, dating platforms, or phone calls. They often initiate video calls under the pretext of a job offer or an urgent task.
Gathering Facial Data
During the conversation, they ask individuals to look at the screen, turn their heads, smile, blink, or speak. These actions are surreptitiously recorded. In many instances, fraudsters also harvest photos and videos of individuals from social media.
Creating Deepfakes using AI
The recorded video and audio are processed using AI-based tools. Fraudsters then generate a fake video of the individual that appears remarkably authentic, accurately replicating facial expressions, eye movements, and even the voice. **Bypassing Security Systems**
If a bank, fintech company, or digital platform lacks robust technology to detect deepfakes, such fake videos can be used to deceive face authentication, liveness verification, and video-KYC processes.
Criminals can use video-KYC to open bank accounts, activate digital wallets, or even gain access to existing financial accounts. This method can be exploited for financial fraud and other criminal activities.
**How to Stay Safe**
The Ministry of Home Affairs advises exercising caution during video calls with strangers.
Do not repeatedly move your face at someone's behest, and do not blindly follow instructions given by the person on the other end of a video call.
Keep your biometric information locked.
Keep an eye on login or authentication alerts received via email or mobile.
If your mobile network suddenly stops working, contact your telecom operator immediately; this could be a sign of SIM swap fraud.
Additionally, do not ignore any suspicious activity in your bank account or digital wallet.
The Ministry of Home Affairs' advisory also directs financial institutions and fintech companies to strengthen their customer verification processes. They are advised to adopt systems capable of detecting deepfakes and AI-generated content.
**Report Fraud Immediately**
If you inadvertently fall victim to such a scam, or suspect fraud, identity theft, or any suspicious transaction, file a complaint without delay on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in/. When filing the complaint, be sure to share the scammer's mobile number, the video link, and any other available information. Timely reporting can help prevent the loss of funds.
Remember, as technology advances rapidly, cybercriminals are also quickly adopting new methods. We must remain vigilant.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
