New Delhi: With the rapid expansion of digital payments, online shopping, social media platforms and cloud-based services, the nature of cyber fraud is undergoing a fundamental transformation. What was once largely driven by technical loopholes or user negligence has now evolved into a highly organised, multi-layered crime ecosystem that targets human trust, emotional vulnerability and behavioural psychology. Trends emerging in 2025–26 indicate that cybercriminals are increasingly combining artificial intelligence (AI), deepfake technology, automation and social engineering to make scams more convincing, scalable and difficult to detect.
Cybersecurity experts point out that the era of simple “click-the-link” phishing attacks is fast receding. In its place has emerged a multi-stage fraud model, where trust is carefully built over time before urgency, fear or the promise of quick gains is used to force victims into instant decisions. As a result, fraud cases are now surfacing through voice impersonation, fake video calls, fraudulent mobile apps, cloned websites, and the impersonation of government bodies and well-known brands.
AI and deepfakes amplify the threat
The most alarming trend of 2025–26 is the sharp rise in AI-powered deepfake scams. In these cases, criminals use voice cloning and facial replication to impersonate relatives, senior officials, company executives or trusted professionals. Victims are often contacted through calls or video messages citing an “emergency”, legal trouble or urgent business requirement, and are pressured into transferring money within minutes.
Security specialists warn that as voice cloning and video generation tools become cheaper and more accessible, distinguishing between real and fake communications will become increasingly difficult for the average user. The misuse of AI has significantly reduced the margin for error that people once relied upon to identify scams.
Phishing and smishing take a more convincing form
Traditional email and SMS-based phishing and smishing have also evolved. AI-generated language now allows fraudsters to create messages that closely mimic the tone, grammar and formatting of legitimate banks, government departments and e-commerce platforms. Messages related to bank alerts, parcel deliveries, tax refunds, festive sales or discount coupons frequently redirect users to cloned banking or shopping websites, where card details, UPI credentials or login information are silently harvested.
Experts caution that even a minor variation in a website address can be a red flag, and users must resist the impulse to click on links received through unsolicited messages.
Fake loan apps and digital harassment
In India, fraudulent instant loan apps have emerged as a major socio-digital concern. These apps lure users with promises of quick credit and minimal documentation, but demand access to contacts, photos, location data and other sensitive permissions. Once a loan is disbursed, victims are subjected to exorbitant interest rates, arbitrary recovery practices and sustained harassment, including threats sent to their personal contacts.
While several state police units and cybercrime cells have cracked down on such networks, enforcement agencies acknowledge that these operators frequently resurface under new names and platforms.
Social media and brand impersonation scams
Social media platforms have become fertile ground for brand impersonation, fake celebrity endorsements and fraudulent investment schemes. Fake pages often replicate official logos, promotional language and customer support styles, making it difficult for users to differentiate between genuine and fraudulent accounts. Cyber experts warn that blindly trusting advertisements or direct messages on social media now carries a direct financial risk.
Romance and ‘pig-butchering’ investment fraud
Another fast-growing trend is the so-called “pig-butchering” investment scam, where fraudsters establish long-term online friendships or romantic relationships before steering victims towards fake investment platforms. Through repeated emotional engagement and fabricated profit statements, victims are encouraged to invest increasingly large sums. Eventually, the platform disappears, leaving behind significant financial and psychological damage.
Investigators note that such scams often involve cross-border networks, making recovery and prosecution particularly challenging.
Impersonation of government authorities
Impersonation of police officers, bank officials or government representatives continues to be a commonly used tactic. Victims are threatened with arrest, account suspension or legal action unless immediate payments are made. Authorities reiterate that no legitimate government or law enforcement agency demands instant payments over phone calls, text messages or social media.
Awareness remains the strongest defence
Cybersecurity agencies stress that amid these evolving threats, awareness, verification and restraint remain the most effective safeguards. Using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, verifying app developers and user reviews before installation, and independently confirming any urgent financial request are no longer optional—they are essential.
In case of suspected fraud, citizens are advised to immediately report the matter to the Indian Cyber Crime Helpline 1930, which operates round the clock to assist victims and improve the chances of fund recovery.
The consensus among experts is unequivocal: haste is the biggest vulnerability in the digital ecosystem. Pausing to verify information, cross-checking through official channels and maintaining a healthy level of skepticism are the most practical and effective defences against cybercrime
