New Delhi. Cyber fraud cases are rising sharply as fraudsters increasingly use artificial intelligence and advanced digital techniques to target ordinary citizens through fake calls, OTP traps, KYC update requests and suspicious online links. Experts have warned that criminals are combining technology with psychological manipulation, allowing them to drain bank accounts within minutes after gaining access to sensitive information.
Fraudsters Use Trust, Fear and Urgency to Target Victims
According to experts, cybercriminals have become more organised and technologically sophisticated. They often impersonate bank officials, police personnel, courier delivery agents or representatives of government departments to gain the confidence of victims.
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Once trust is established, fraudsters create a sense of fear or urgency and persuade victims to share confidential details such as OTPs, bank information, UPI PINs and other sensitive data. OTP fraud remains one of the most common methods, with scammers using one-time passwords to quickly transfer money from victims’ bank accounts.
AI Voice Cloning and Fake Links Add to the Threat
AI-based technologies have made such frauds harder to detect. Criminals are using AI voice cloning to imitate known individuals or officials, making it difficult for victims to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent calls.
Fraud through unknown links is also increasing. Victims often receive messages on WhatsApp, SMS and social media offering cashback, gifts or attractive deals. After clicking these links, users are redirected to fake websites designed to steal passwords, banking credentials and mobile access information.
KYC Scams and Deepfake Risks Raise Fresh Concerns
KYC update scams have emerged as another major concern. Fraudsters pose as representatives of banks or financial institutions and seek identity documents or banking details under the pretext of account verification, leading many users to suffer financial losses.
A report by the Future Crime Research Foundation has warned that future cybercrimes may become more personalised and targeted through AI-powered fake profiles, deepfake calls and advanced social engineering techniques. Cybersecurity expert and former IPS officer Professor Triveni Singh said fraudsters exploit both technology and human psychology by using fear and greed to extract information.
Experts have advised users never to share OTPs, bank passwords or UPI PINs, regardless of who the caller claims to be. They also recommend verifying suspicious calls, messages and links, using only official banking apps or verified websites, and reporting suspicious activity immediately.
