Deepfake Scams: Spot and Stop Them Fast

What Are Deepfake Scams and Why They’re Rising

Deepfakes use artificial intelligence to create realistic but fake videos or voice clips of real people. In India, these scams have quickly moved from celebrity hoaxes to serious financial fraud. Fraudsters now clone faces and voices to trick users into sharing OTPs or transferring money.

As noted in Ai Fraud Prevention, banks and fintechs are reporting more cases where customers received “video calls” from fake executives — complete with the real person’s face and voice. With cheap AI tools available online, it’s easy to generate these synthetic clips in minutes.

According to CERT-In, India saw a 400% jump in AI-based digital scams in 2025. What’s alarming is how real they look — even Tier-2 users can’t tell if the “bank manager” calling on video is real or fake.

Insight: A deepfake doesn’t just fake a video — it fakes your trust in what your eyes see and ears hear.

How Deepfake Fraud Works in Banking and Fintech

Fraudsters mix stolen photos, LinkedIn data, and voice samples to impersonate officials or relatives. The goal is to make you believe a fake person is real — and urgent. Common targets include loan verifications, fund transfers, and KYC updates.

Based on insights from Digital Identity Security, here’s how typical deepfake scams unfold:

1. Step 1: Identity theft — Scammers scrape videos or profile pictures from social media.
2. Step 2: Deepfake creation — Free AI tools recreate realistic speech and facial motion.
3. Step 3: Fraud call or video — The fake persona “asks” you for payment or OTPs.
4. Step 4: Real-time manipulation — The scammer adjusts voice and expression live on call.

Some fintech scams now use deepfakes to trick customer-care teams too — sending AI-generated “video verifications” for instant loans. These aren’t just consumer risks anymore; they threaten KYC integrity across the digital finance chain.

Tip: If a person on a call rushes you to act, assume risk first — verify later.

Spot the Red Flags: Simple Checks That Expose Fakes

Even though deepfakes look realistic, they leave small digital clues. You don’t need tech expertise to spot them — just patience and attention to detail. Tools under Deepfake Detection Tools show how subtle glitches often give scams away.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Unnatural eye or lip movement: The video feels “off” — like bad lip-sync in movies.
• Lighting mismatch: Shadows or reflections don’t align with surroundings.
• Flat tone or robotic voice: Even cloned voices sound too even or emotionless.
• Strange urgency: “Act now or lose your account” is a classic panic trick.
• No cross-verification: Real banks never ask for details on WhatsApp or random calls.

Use quick online searches to verify contact details. If a video or message feels suspicious, call the institution directly using its official number — not the one shared in the clip.

Insight: Every scam depends on speed. Slow down, confirm twice — and most deepfakes fail instantly.

Staying Safe: RBI and User Tips for Prevention

India’s regulators are moving fast to counter AI-based scams. As mentioned in Rbi Cyber Safety Guidelines, RBI’s 2025 advisory instructs all banks and fintechs to include deepfake awareness under their cyber-literacy programs.

For users, here’s how to stay safe:

• Never share OTPs or CVV codes, even on video calls.
• Verify caller ID: Contact the company’s helpline before responding.
• Use multi-factor authentication: Prefer UPI PIN and biometric checks on every app.
• Update devices: Old apps and OS versions are easier for scammers to exploit.
• Report fast: If tricked, call your bank and 1930 (National Cyber Helpline) within minutes.

Fintech players are testing AI models to detect video tampering and verify “liveness” in real time. But until such systems are universal, human awareness remains the first line of defence.

Tip: Deepfake scams don’t need your password — they need your panic. Stay calm, stay safe.

India’s fight against AI fraud will define how secure our digital future becomes. The smarter scams get, the smarter our awareness must be — because no algorithm can replace human caution yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a deepfake scam?

It’s a fraud where scammers use AI to mimic a person’s face or voice to trick others into sharing sensitive data or money.

2. How can I detect a deepfake video?

Watch for irregular facial movements, odd lighting, and unrealistic voice tones — these are common giveaway signs.

3. Are banks affected by deepfake scams?

Yes. Fraudsters use fake bank staff videos to get OTPs or approvals. RBI has directed banks to train staff against such risks.

4. What should I do if I fall victim to a deepfake scam?

Immediately call your bank’s helpline and the national cyber helpline number 1930 to freeze transactions.

5. Can deepfake tools be used legally?

Yes, for education or entertainment with consent — but using them for fraud is a criminal offence under India’s IT Act.