With all the convenience technology is presently offering, it has left behind an obvious trail of scammers looking for opportunity to cheat. These days, two growing threats deepfake AI scams and UPI payment frauds are luring and ripping off unsuspected fellows across India.
Deepfake Scams
Deepfakes are the realistic, fake visual-audio combinations. Criminals can impersonate a loved one, friend, co-worker, or even some public figure in order to extract money from or sway their victims to hand out personal details. The terribly emotional feel attached to these scams makes people desperately act without further verification.
UPI Frauds
UPI stands for Unified Payments Interface- one of the most used payment systems in India. Scammers use it by sending fake requests for payments, phishing links, and fake QR codes. Once payment is approved it becomes quite the hassle to get back the funds.
Pause and Verify: If an unsolicited request for payment or sensitive information comes via video or audio. Check with the caller through another trusted, verifiable channel.
Look for Signs of Manipulation: Look for unnatural lip movements, inconsistent lighting, or robotic blinking in videos.
Use Code Words: Family members and businesses can establish a unique “safe word”. This is to confirm authenticity in times of unexpected phone calls.
Leverage Technology: Take note of AI-detection tools slowly being made accessible for public use to flag suspicious media.
Do not share your UPI PIN: No bank or genuine services will ask for this.
Verify payment requests twice: Especially for any “collect” requests that has any possibility of being counterclaimed for reimbursement or reward.
Never accept random QR codes: Fraudsters will change the legitimate codes in public in order to perpetrate fraud on the unsuspecting or will also send fake codes online.
Be sure to keep your device safe: Download UPI applications only from official app stores, keep them updated, and avoid using public Wi-Fi for any transactions.
Keep an eye on transactions: Make sure to activate instant alerts when transferring money so as to spot any unauthorized payments quickly.
ALSO READ: Teen Outsmarts UPI Scammer, Leaves Fraudster Speechless!
In Case One Becomes a Victim
For Deepfake scams: Secure evidence of the crime, report it to the hosting website, and duly file a complaint with the cybercrime division.
For UPI frauds: Block UPI access at once via your bank, reach out to your bank’s fraud helpline, and also report the case either through cybercrime.gov.in or by calling 1930.
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