India

Kerala Man Falls Victim To AI-Based Fraud, Rs 40,000 Lost: Police Freeze Fraudster’s Account

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.

Also Read: 49-Year-Old Man Beaten To Death By Three People In Maharashtra

Malika Sahni

Recent Posts

Gautam Adani Hails Puri Lifeguards As Unsung Heroes During Rath Yatra Visit

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, visited Puri in Odisha during the annual Rath…

5 hours ago

Acharya Pramod Krishnam Slams Congress Over ‘Internal Emergency’ Allegation

Acharya Pramod Krishnam, stirred political debate by claiming an 'internal emergency' still exists within the…

6 hours ago

MRM Meeting: Pledge for Global Peace, Green India, De-addiction & Democratic Integrity

Taking a crucial step toward positive transformation, social reform, and global peace, the Muslim Rashtriya…

6 hours ago

India To Host 2029 World Police & Fire Games; Amit Shah Hails Global Recognition

India has been chosen to host the prestigious 2029 World Police and Fire Games in…

6 hours ago

Seeing The Lord Among Devotees Is The Pinnacle Of Humility: Gautam Adani At Rath Yatra

Gautam Adani, along with his wife and Karan, participated in the Rath Yatra in Puri,…

9 hours ago

PM Modi Interacts With Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard The ISS

PM Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the…

10 hours ago