In a concerning incident, a man from Kozhikode, Kerala, recently fell prey to a fraudulent scheme that involved the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The victim, identified as Radhakrishnan, lost Rs 40,000 in the scam. However, Kerala Police swiftly traced the recipient account and have frozen it as part of their investigation. This incident highlights the growing sophistication of fraudsters who leverage AI to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
Details of the Fraud
Radhakrishnan received distressing WhatsApp messages from someone claiming to be one of his former colleagues. The messages stated that the person’s sister was in critical condition and hospitalized, while they were facing difficulties in transferring funds due to being in Dubai.
To establish credibility, the fraudster offered to make a video call via WhatsApp. During the call, AI technology was used to create a deepfake, presenting the imposter as Radhakrishnan’s former colleague. This manipulation of AI convinced Radhakrishnan of the caller’s authenticity.
Based on this trust, Radhakrishnan transferred Rs 40,000 to the provided account. However, when the fraudster requested an additional Rs 30,000, Radhakrishnan became suspicious and promptly reported the incident to the police.
Investigation and Police Action
Kozhikode Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), K E Baiju, revealed that a WhatsApp group comprising Radhakrishnan and his former colleagues was targeted in the scam. The fraudsters had hacked one of the group members’ phones, gaining access to personal information and photos. Utilizing AI technology, they created a deepfake by impersonating Radhakrishnan’s former colleague. Shockingly, the fraudsters even attempted to approach someone else using Radhakrishnan’s identity.
Thanks to diligent efforts, Kerala Police managed to identify the recipient account and subsequently froze it. The investigation is ongoing to ascertain the individuals involved, with the account being traced to Maharashtra.
The unfortunate incident in Kozhikode serves as a reminder of the evolving techniques employed by fraudsters. The utilization of AI to create convincing deepfakes emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance when engaging in online transactions. It is crucial for individuals to exercise caution, verify the authenticity of requests, and promptly report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Kerala Police’s swift action in freezing the fraudster’s account demonstrates their commitment to combatting such digital crimes and protecting the public from falling victim to AI-based scams.
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