Cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to make fake government welfare announcements appear genuine, prompting fresh warnings from the National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU).
The fraudsters are circulating manipulated videos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Finance Minister and Chief Ministers on Facebook and Instagram, falsely portraying them as announcing financial assistance for the public. People who respond to these advertisements are directed to suspicious websites or asked to contact the fraudsters through phone calls and WhatsApp.
The trap often begins with an attractive promise of government aid. Victims are subsequently told to pay registration fees, taxes or other charges to receive the money. Even after making multiple payments, they receive no assistance and are left with financial losses.
In some instances, callers using international numbers, including those with Pakistan’s +92 country code, claim that people have been selected for financial benefits. Some of the misleading advertisements have also appeared under political advertising categories.
The NCTAU has flagged another emerging concern involving fake online contests that promise cashback through scratch cards and spin-and-win offers. Users are persuaded to enter their Unified Payments Interface (UPI) PIN to claim rewards. However, doing so authorises a payment to the fraudster rather than bringing money into the victim’s account.
Authorities have urged people to check welfare announcements on official government websites and verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a department. Citizens should never disclose their Aadhaar, PAN, banking details, OTPs or UPI PINs to unknown individuals. Any video featuring a public official should be cross-checked against verified official channels before being trusted.
