Nowadays, as technology advances rapidly, fraud methods are also changing at the same pace. The country's largest bank, State Bank of India, has warned its millions of customers about a new and dangerous threat. This threat is called Deepfake Scam. Cybercriminals are now robbing people of their hard-earned money with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The bank has informed people through social media how these fraudsters can deceive you by imitating the appearance and voice of a bank official or someone close to you.

What is Deepfake technology?

Deepfake is a modern technology that uses AI to create a realistic face, voice, and mannerisms. Fraudsters use this technology to create fake video calls or voice messages. The viewer or listener believes they are speaking to someone they know or a senior bank official. Scammers often pose as senior bank officials, family members, or old friends to trick you into trusting them.

Demand for money

In these scams, criminals often exploit the victim's emotions. They create situations that frighten the victim, such as a family member having an accident or threatening to close their bank account. When a person is in fear or panic, they transfer money without thinking. The bank says these criminals appear completely real even on video calls, making them very difficult to identify.

Method of cheating

The State Bank of India has explained the various methods these criminals use to reach people. The table below can help you understand their modus operandi.

These criminals often use apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. They make unexpected video calls and pretend to be in an emergency, requiring immediate money transfer.

Follow these rules for safety

If you also want to avoid such fraud, then it is very important to follow these rules given by the bank.

• Don't be hasty: If someone messages or calls you and asks for money immediately, don't take any action immediately.
• Check identity: If the call comes in the name of a bank official or an acquaintance, disconnect it and call back on their old number and find out the truth.
• Don't click on links: Avoid downloading any unknown links or files. These can steal your phone's data.
• Don't give out confidential information: Remember that no bank asks you for OTP, password or PIN.
• Verification is required: Before sending money, check the identity of the person through official bank channels.

Complain here in case of fraud

If such an incident happens to anyone or if anyone is suspected, he should immediately inform about it.

Given these growing threats to the banking sector, customer awareness is the best defense. The bank emphasizes that along with technology, increased caution is also essential. If you remain vigilant, criminals will never succeed in their plans.