Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence to create fake videos of prominent political leaders and deceive unsuspecting people. A new warning from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has drawn attention to the misuse of deepfake technology, with fraudsters allegedly using manipulated videos featuring the Prime Minister and chief ministers to carry out online scams.
Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to create or manipulate audio, images and videos so that a person appears to say or do something they never actually said or did. As these tools become more accessible, distinguishing between genuine footage and sophisticated fake content is becoming increasingly difficult for ordinary social media users.
According to the reported alert, cybercriminals may use videos featuring well-known political leaders to make fraudulent offers appear authentic. Such content can be circulated through social media platforms, messaging applications and other online channels to gain people’s trust and persuade them to take actions that could expose them to financial fraud.
The use of prominent public figures in scam videos can make fraudulent claims appear more credible. A video may falsely suggest that a political leader is endorsing an investment scheme, promising financial benefits or promoting a particular online service. When viewers believe the video is genuine, they may be more likely to click on suspicious links, share personal information or transfer money.
However, the appearance of a public figure in a video does not establish that the person actually made the statement or endorsed the offer. Criminals can manipulate facial expressions, voice patterns and lip movements to create convincing but fabricated footage.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, known as I4C, operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinates efforts to address cybercrime in India. Alerts associated with cybercrime prevention are intended to raise public awareness and help people recognise suspicious online activity.
One of the most important precautions is to verify claims through official government websites and authenticated social media accounts. If a video featuring the Prime Minister or a chief minister announces an unexpected financial benefit, investment opportunity or urgent payment requirement, users should check whether the same announcement appears on an official channel.
People should also avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or downloading applications promoted through unverified videos. Fraudsters may direct victims to fake websites designed to collect banking details, passwords, one-time passwords or other sensitive information.
Another warning sign is pressure to act immediately. Scammers may claim that an offer is available for a limited period or that money must be transferred quickly to receive a benefit. Such tactics are commonly used to prevent people from checking the authenticity of a claim.
Users should also be cautious about forwarding sensational videos without verification. Sharing manipulated content can help fraudsters reach a wider audience and may cause further harm, even when the person sharing it does not realise that it is fake.
If someone suspects that a video is manipulated, they should check the original source, compare it with verified statements and look for confirmation from reliable news organisations. Artificial intelligence detection tools may provide additional clues, but their results should not be treated as conclusive proof on their own.
Anyone who becomes a victim of online financial fraud should contact the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 as quickly as possible and report the incident through the official portal at cybercrime.gov.in. Prompt reporting may help authorities take timely action, although recovery of the money is not guaranteed.
The growing misuse of deepfake technology highlights the need for digital awareness and responsible online behaviour. As AI-generated content becomes more realistic, users must look beyond appearances and verify the source before trusting financial claims.
The central message is clear: a video featuring a prominent political leader is not necessarily genuine. Verification, caution and prompt reporting remain essential safeguards against deepfake-enabled cyber fraud.
