Varanasi is witnessing a fresh wave of online scams, but the weapons are no longer suspicious calls or emails. Instead, cybercriminals are deploying deepfake technology—hyper-realistic AI-generated videos—to lure unsuspecting users. Recent clips circulating on Facebook and Instagram show Union ministers and political leaders urging citizens to invest in schemes that promise huge daily earnings. None of these endorsements are real.
Clicking the links attached to these videos opens fraudulent forms demanding personal information. Once entered, details like photographs, videos, and even bank records fall straight into the hands of fraudsters.
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Social Media Flooded With Fakes
Cybersecurity experts describe a flood of 120– to 30-second videos circulating across platforms. The content often promises earnings of up to Rs 20,000 per day from minimal investments. For ordinary users seeking quick financial gains, the videos appear convincing—especially because the faces and voices of leaders look authentic.
The viral nature of such clips poses a dual threat: individuals face financial ruin, while trust in democratic institutions and leadership risks long-term erosion.
Beyond Money – A Threat to Democracy
Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Professor Triveni Singh warns that deepfakes are no longer limited to financial deception. “Deepfake technology is emerging as the most dangerous tool for cybercriminals. It carries potential for fraud, blackmail, and manipulating public opinion,” he said.
The concern is not only the immediate monetary losses but also the gradual weakening of public confidence in political leadership, as manipulated visuals blur the line between truth and fabrication.
Regulation and Responsibility
For now, social media companies have responded by removing flagged videos. But officials argue that these steps are inadequate. Without AI-driven detection tools at the platform level, users will remain vulnerable to sophisticated fraud.
India’s cybersecurity authorities have urged citizens to stay vigilant—avoiding suspicious links and videos, verifying sources before investing, and reporting fraudulent content swiftly. Until regulation catches up, the responsibility of staying safe online falls heavily on the user.