AI-Driven Scams Are Surging in India , Here’s What You Need to Know.
From voice cloning and deepfake videos to scam call centres and fake UPI links, fraudsters are using artificial intelligence in new, convincing ways to target everyday people in India. These aren’t outdated trick, they look real, sound convincing, and can trap anyone, whether you’re in a metro city or a small town.
This list breaks down the most widespread AI scams happening right now, and shows you exactly how to recognize and avoid them, without needing any technical knowledge.
9 AI Scams That Are Tricking People Across India Right Now
1. Voice Cloning That Sounds Exactly Like Your Family
Scammers now use AI tools to clone the voice of a family member, especially children or elderly relatives. The cloned voice makes an urgent call, often claiming they’ve had an accident or are in jail, and asks for a quick UPI transfer. These calls often happen over WhatsApp or regular voice call, and include emotional tone and background noise to sound real.
2. Deepfake Celebrities Promoting Fake Investments
One of the most reported scams: AI-generated deepfake videos featuring public figures like Narayana Murthy, Ratan Tata, or even Bollywood actors asking people to invest in fake trading platforms. These ads are shown on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram and look highly convincing. Victims often believe the endorsement is genuine and transfer money to fraud apps.
3. “Digital Arrest” by Fake Police and Govt Officials
This scam involves a video call from a supposed police or government officer, often using deepfaked faces or recorded footage. The caller accuses the victim of being involved in a cybercrime or money laundering case and demands a payment to “settle the matter” or avoid arrest. In March 2025, UP STF arrested two people in Mumbai involved in one such ₹95 lakh scam.
4. Sextortion and Fake Loan Scams by AI-Enabled Call Centres
Delhi Police busted a scam operation in that used AI-generated female voices and fake loan offers to target elderly men. Once a conversation began, victims were manipulated into inappropriate chats or trapped into paying advance loan processing fees. AI tools helped personalize responses and even mimic regional dialects.
5. Shopping Scams with Fake Delivery and Refund Messages
Fake websites and shopping apps are using AI chatbots to engage users and simulate authentic brand experiences. Ahead of events like Amazon Prime Day or Flipkart sales, scammers send fake delivery updates, coupon links, and order confirmations via SMS or WhatsApp. Victims who click are often redirected to fraudulent payment pages or malware downloads.
6. AI-Generated Phishing Emails and Landing Pages
In 2025, scammers now use generative AI to write unique phishing emails that sound professional and personalized. These emails often mimic tax authorities, banks, or even health insurance providers. The tone, structure, and spelling are much improved, making detection harder.
7. AI Voicebots for Live Phishing Calls
Some scam networks are using AI-driven voicebots that can hold conversations with targets over the phone. These bots answer questions, use human-like tone, and can even impersonate customer care agents from banks, UPI platforms, or telecom companies. In some cases, users were tricked into sharing OTPs, Aadhaar details, or PAN info.
8. Fake Job Offers with Deepfake Recruiters
In 2025, AIIMS Nagpur issued a public alert after candidates received fake job offers from “HRs” using AI-generated LinkedIn profiles and fake email addresses. Victims were asked to pay a registration or training fee for government job posts that didn’t exist.
9. AI Romance Traps That Lead to Blackmail
AI-generated profile pictures and chatbot messages are being used to lure people on Instagram, dating apps, and WhatsApp. Victims form emotional connections with these fake personas and are then blackmailed or asked for financial help. These scams are increasingly common among both men and women in urban India.
11 Clear Signs and Smarter Defenses Against AI Scams in India
1. Voice Sounds Right, But Timing Feels Wrong
If you get a sudden call from a family member in “trouble,” check for:
- Slight delay in responses
- Flat emotion or robotic tone
- Background noise that feels off
Call them back on their verified number or ask a personal question that only they know.
2. Deepfake Videos That Push Urgency
Fake videos asking for donations or investment often:
- Mention a “limited-time opportunity”
- Use well-known faces but don’t link to official sources
Cross-check on that person’s verified social media or news sources before acting.
3. Job Offers That Ask for Upfront Fees
Any “recruiter” asking for ₹500-₹5,000 as a joining fee, training fee, or certificate validation , is likely a scam.
What to do: Search for official job listings from the company, and avoid paying anything upfront.
4. UPI Links Sent by Chatbots
Scam messages now sound polished and often come from unofficial WhatsApp numbers.
What to do: Don’t trust links from personal chats unless it’s from a verified business account. Always check the handle (e.g., @icicibank, not @icicbankk).
5. Delivery or Refund SMS Asking for OTP
Messages claiming failed deliveries, prize wins, or cashback , followed by an OTP prompt , are usually phishing traps.
Go directly to the e-commerce app instead of clicking on any links.
6. Sudden “Legal Trouble” from a Government Official
Fake calls claim your Aadhaar or bank account is linked to illegal activity.
No Indian official will ever ask for payments over WhatsApp or video call. Hang up and report it on – cybercrime.gov.in.
7. Investment Platforms That Promise Big Returns
If it promises huge returns, AI-based profits, or guaranteed growth , it’s fake. Look for SEBI registration or RBI warnings. Avoid investing based on social media endorsements.
8. Dating Profiles That Feel Too Perfect to Be Real
Romance scams use AI-generated profile photos and messages. Look for:
- Symmetrical faces with no background variation
- Conversations that feel too formal or generic
Use reverse image search (Google Lens) to check the profile photo’s origin.
9. Emails from Banks That Redirect to Fake Pages
Phishing emails now avoid typos and use local names. But the link they include usually leads to fake login pages.
Hover over links to check the actual URL. Always log in via the main website manually, not via email.
10. Telegram or WhatsApp Groups Offering “Exclusive Deals”
Scammers now sell “limited time” offers, crypto tips, or government schemes in private groups.
If it’s not available on the official website or app, ignore it.
11. Urgency Tactics to Make You Act Without Thinking
If someone wants you to act in the next 2 minutes or threatens consequences, stop.
Real banks, officials, or employers give you time. Take a pause. Ask someone you trust before acting.
Why These Scams Work So Well and Harder to Detect in India
- AI tools now support Hindi, Hinglish, and regional languages like Bengali, Marathi, and Tamil
- Deepfake videos have background noise and emotional tones
- Scammers use emotion, urgency, and personalization
- Many tools are free or low-cost to use, making them accessible to fraudsters
What Indian Government/Authorities and Platforms Are Doing About It
- CERT-In has issued repeated advisories on AI voice scams and deepfakes
- WhatsApp is testing AI-based scam filters for business accounts
- Deepfakes may soon require watermarking under the new Digital India Act
- Enforcement teams like the UP STF and Delhi Cybercrime Unit are actively busting scam gangs
Summary: Stay One Step Ahead – Don’t Let AI Scammers Win
AI scams in India are evolving faster than ever. You don’t need to be a tech expert to protect yourself, just slow down, double-check, and stay alert. Never trust calls or videos blindly, and always verify before you pay. Your awareness is your strongest protection.
Sources
- Govt of India data on cyber fraud – https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/268/AU1200_ujIKqm.pdf
- https://www.dsci.in/resource/content/india-cyber-threat-report-2025
- https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-says-cyber-fraud-cases-jumped-over-four-fold-fy2024-caused-20-mln-losses-2025-03-11/
