The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has warned of a rise in financial fraud involving deceptive Facebook and Instagram advertisements that use manipulated videos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the finance minister, and chief ministers to promote fake government welfare schemes.
These scams often start with promises of financial assistance and fake cashback rewards, but ultimately extract money from victims through purported taxes, processing fees, and registration charges.
Key Takeaways
- The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has warned of a rise in financial fraud involving deceptive Facebook and Instagram advertisements using manipulated videos of PM Modi.
- Victims of these scams are often directed to phone numbers, WhatsApp chats, or fraudulent websites, where they are asked to provide sensitive information or make payments.
- To avoid falling prey to these scams, it is essential to be cautious when receiving calls or messages from unknown numbers and verify the authenticity of government welfare schemes through official channels.
Who is targeted by these scams
The victims of these scams are often directed to phone numbers, WhatsApp chats, or fraudulent websites, where they are asked to provide sensitive information or make payments.
Some victims even receive calls from international numbers, particularly those with Pakistan's +92 country code, claiming they have been selected to receive financial benefits.
How the cashback scams work
In cashback scams, victims are redirected to scratch-card or spin-and-win websites and tricked into approving UPI collect requests or entering their UPI PINs under the pretext of receiving prize money.
However, these transactions instead transfer money from their accounts to fraudsters, resulting in substantial cumulative losses for the victims.
By the numbers
- Repeated payments: Victims often make repeated payments, resulting in substantial cumulative losses.
- UPI transactions: Fraudsters use UPI collect requests to transfer money from victims' accounts to their own.
- Aadhaar and PAN: Scammers often ask for sensitive information like Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, or one-time passwords (OTPs) to carry out their scams.
What the I4C is doing to prevent these scams
The I4C has advised people to verify welfare schemes through official government websites and confirm the identity of anyone claiming to represent a government department.
The agency has also urged users to exercise caution before sharing sensitive information with unknown persons and to review the recipient and purpose of every UPI request before approving it.
How to protect yourself from these scams
To avoid falling prey to these scams, it is essential to be cautious when receiving calls or messages from unknown numbers, especially those with international country codes.
Additionally, users should never share sensitive information like Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, or OTPs with unknown persons and should always verify the authenticity of government welfare schemes through official channels.
Red flags to watch out for
Be wary of advertisements that appear under the category of political advertising, as they may be used to promote fake government welfare schemes.
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Also, be cautious of videos and voice recordings of public officials that seem suspicious or unfamiliar, and always check the claims made through official sources.
What to do if you're a victim
If you've fallen victim to one of these scams, report it to the authorities immediately and provide as much information as possible about the scam.
You can also contact your bank or financial institution to report the incident and request their assistance in recovering any lost funds.
Expert perspective on Deepfake PM Modi scams
According to experts, the use of deepfake technology to create manipulated videos of public officials is a growing concern, as it can be used to spread misinformation and commit financial fraud.
Experts recommend that users be cautious when consuming online content, especially videos and voice recordings that seem suspicious or unfamiliar, and to always verify the authenticity of information through official channels.
Implications for readers in India
The rise of Deepfake PM Modi scams has significant implications for readers in India, as it highlights the importance of being cautious when receiving calls or messages from unknown numbers and verifying the authenticity of government welfare schemes through official channels.
Readers in India should also be aware of the red flags to watch out for, such as advertisements that appear under the category of political advertising, and be cautious of videos and voice recordings of public officials that seem suspicious or unfamiliar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Deepfake PM Modi scams?
Deepfake PM Modi scams are a type of financial fraud that involves using manipulated videos of PM Modi to promote fake government welfare schemes and extract money from victims.
How can I protect myself from these scams?
To protect yourself from these scams, be cautious when receiving calls or messages from unknown numbers, verify the authenticity of government welfare schemes through official channels, and never share sensitive information like Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, or OTPs with unknown persons.
What should I do if I'm a victim of one of these scams?
If you're a victim of one of these scams, report it to the authorities immediately and provide as much information as possible about the scam. You can also contact your bank or financial institution to report the incident and request their assistance in recovering any lost funds.
