Cyber Crime
AI Voice Cloning Fraud Hits Lucknow: Rs 45,500 Swindled in First-of-its-Kind Cybercrime
LUCKNOW: In a first-of-its-kind case for Lucknow, a cybercriminal used artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate a man’s uncle and swindle him out of Rs. 45,500. The incident, reported at Gomtinagar police station, highlights the growing sophistication of online fraud tactics and the need for increased vigilance.
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The Bait: A Familiar Voice with a Faulty Transfer
Kartikeya, a resident of Vineet Khand, received a call from an unknown number. The caller, using AI voice cloning technology, spoke in a tone eerily similar to Kartikeya’s uncle. The caller claimed to be sending Rs. 90,000 to Kartikeya’s account but encountered technical difficulties with his UPI. He pleaded with Kartikeya to forward the money to a trusted contact as he urgently needed funds.
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Crafted Deception: Fake Bank Messages Seal the Deal
To bolster the illusion, Kartikeya received a series of SMS notifications mirroring bank transactions. These messages, supposedly from his bank, falsely indicated the transfer of Rs. 10,000, 10,000, 30,000, and 40,000 in five separate instalments.
Convinced by the seemingly legitimate call and fabricated bank updates, Kartikeya, unfortunately, fell prey to the scam and transferred Rs. 45,500 to the designated account.
Investigation Underway, Awareness Key
The Gomtinagar police have registered an FIR and are actively investigating the case. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of cybercrime and the increasing use of AI-powered tools by fraudsters. It emphasizes the importance of remaining cautious when receiving calls or messages, especially those requesting urgent financial assistance. Verifying the sender’s identity through independent channels, avoiding unfamiliar money transfer requests, and reporting suspicious activity are crucial steps in safeguarding oneself from such scams.
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Key Takeaways:
- AI voice cloning technology is being employed by cybercriminals for elaborate fraud schemes.
- Be wary of calls or messages requesting urgent financial assistance, even if the voice sounds familiar.
- Verify the sender’s identity through independent channels before making any financial transactions.
- Report suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
- By staying informed and exercising vigilance, we can protect ourselves from falling victim to these sophisticated scams.