Muzaffarpur | Special Correspondent: In a growing example of technology-enabled crime, cybercriminals in Bihar have exploited Artificial Intelligence (AI) to defraud a resident of ₹1.65 lakh. The victim, Riyaz Ahmed, residing in the Bhagwanpur Ghoncha area of Muzaffarpur, fell prey to fraudsters who cloned the voice of his cousin to convince him of a financial emergency. The case has been formally registered at the local cyber police station, and investigations are underway.
Voice Cloning Deceives Victim
According to Riyaz, his cousin is employed in Saudi Arabia. The perpetrators created a fake social media account and used AI-powered voice replication to make calls impersonating his cousin. Riyaz, convinced by the familiar voice, did not suspect any foul play and inadvertently became a target of the scam.
Using the pretext that Riyaz’s cousin’s visa was about to expire, the cybercriminals coerced him into transferring ₹1.65 lakh. They initially created a false impression of legitimacy by claiming that ₹3.5 lakh was being sent from Saudi Arabia, supplementing the ruse with a fabricated bank slip to gain his confidence.
WhatsApp Agent Facilitates Fraudulent Transaction
The scammers further directed Riyaz to communicate with an agent on WhatsApp. Claiming to assist with the visa renewal process, the agent instructed Riyaz to deposit the money through a scanner. Acting in urgency to help his cousin, Riyaz complied. It was only after speaking to his real cousin later that he realized he had fallen victim to a well-orchestrated cyber fraud.
Riyaz lodged a formal complaint with the cyber police two days after the incident.
Cyber Forensics and Police Advisory
Authorities stated that the investigation is being conducted using advanced cyber forensic techniques. Digital footprints, banking transactions, and communication records are being meticulously analyzed to map the fraudsters’ network and trace the flow of funds.
Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant. Avoid engaging with unknown calls, messages, or links, and report any suspicious activity to the cyber cell immediately. No financial transaction should be made without verifying the authenticity of the caller or sender.
AI Abuse Highlights Rising Cyber Risks
Experts warn that AI and voice-cloning technology are increasingly being misused. Cybercriminals are now capable of targeting individuals not just for financial transactions, but also by exploiting personal and familial identities to lend credibility to fraudulent schemes.
This Muzaffarpur case underscores how modern technology can be weaponized for large-scale deception, making ordinary citizens vulnerable to sophisticated scams.
Police Message: Swift Reporting and Evidence Preservation Crucial
Cyber police officials emphasized the importance of prompt reporting and securing digital evidence in such cases. They cautioned against trusting unfamiliar calls, voice messages, or links.
Authorities confirmed that Bihar is strengthening its cybercrime monitoring and digital security measures to protect citizens and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
This incident sends a clear signal: AI has become a potent tool in the hands of cybercriminals, and citizens must exercise heightened caution and adopt robust cybersecurity practices to safeguard themselves.
