A man in Kerala has lost Rs 40,000 in an AI-based deepfake WhatsApp fraud. The victim, who has not been named, was contacted by a fraudster who had created a deepfake of his friend’s voice. The fraudster used the deepfake to convince the victim to transfer money to them. Deepfakes are videos or audio recordings that have been manipulated to make it look or sound like someone is saying or doing something they never said or did. They are created using artificial intelligence (AI) and can be very realistic.
In this case, the fraudster used a deepfake of the victim’s friend’s voice to convince the victim that they were in financial trouble and needed money. The victim was unaware that the voice was fake and transferred the money to the fraudster. This is the first known case of an AI-based deepfake being used in a WhatsApp fraud. It is a worrying development, as it shows that fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated in their methods.
The police are investigating the case and have warned people to be careful about who they trust on WhatsApp. They have also advised people not to transfer money to anyone they do not know, even if they seem to be a friend or family member. If you receive a WhatsApp message from someone you know asking for money, it is important to verify their identity before you send them any money. You can do this by calling them or speaking to them in person. You should also be suspicious of any messages that ask you to click on a link or download a file. These links and files could contain malware that could infect your device.
If you think you have been the victim of a WhatsApp fraud, you should report it to the police immediately. You can also report it to the Cybercrime Investigation Cell (CCIC) at 1930.
How to Protect Yourself from AI-Based Deepfake WhatsApp Fraud
As the use of AI-based deepfakes in WhatsApp fraud becomes more widespread, it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself. Here are some tips:
- Be suspicious of any messages that ask for money or personal information.Even if the message appears to be from a friend or family member, verify their identity before you send them any money or share any personal information.
- Never click on links or download files that are sent to you in WhatsApp messages.These links and files could contain malware that could infect your device.
- Be aware of the latest WhatsApp scams.The police and other organizations often issue alerts about new WhatsApp scams. You can stay up-to-date on the latest scams by following these organizations on social media or subscribing to their email alerts.
- Use a security app on your phone.There are a number of security apps that can help protect your phone from malware and other threats. These apps can also help you to identify and block scam messages.
By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from AI-based deepfake WhatsApp fraud.
Tips to help you stay safe online:
- Keep your software up to date.Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect your device from malware and other threats.
- Use strong passwords and change them regularly.Your passwords should be at least 12 characters long and should include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Be careful about what information you share online.Only share personal information with people that you trust.
- Be aware of the risks of social media.Social media platforms can be a target for scammers. Be careful about what you share on social media and never click on links that you are not sure about.
By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from online fraud