Deepfake and AI Voice Cloning Scams in India: How to Spot a Fake Call or Video?

Deepfake and AI voice cloning scams are on the rise. These days, you will get many news reports of people getting scammed out of huge amounts of money by people impersonating law enforcement officers, celebrities or even friends or family members.

With easy access to AI, these cases are still on the rise, and the only way to combat them is to understand the tricks and nuances these impostors use. Read on to learn more.

What are Deepfakes?

First, let us understand what deepfake scams in India are. They refer to AI-generated images, audio, and video. They can look very real, as if a real person is saying or doing something. However, they are AI-generated using samples of photos from real people.

In order to create deepfakes, scammers make use of publicly available photos, recordings and images to make realistic impersonations of business leaders, celebrities, and even friends and family.

What are AI Voice Cloning Scams?

Scammers use AI-powered voice cloning to replicate a person's voice with only a few seconds of audio. These are accessed from a person's digital footprint, such as social media, online notes or social media videos.

For instance, imagine getting a phone call from a family member who stays far away, asking for urgent financial help. Victims often fall into this trap as the scammers create a sense of urgency in these calls or voice recordings.

How Can You Spot a Deepfake Video?

Here are a few glitches or loopholes to look out for to spot a deepfake video from a real one:

Unstable Visuals

Look out for brief or sudden flickers where the head or face shifts or vibrates unnaturally. This is especially noticeable when a person makes sudden, quick movements.

Unnatural Eye Movement

Deepfake algorithms still, to this date, cannot get the eye movement right. Hence, if you notice unnatural eye blinking or the subject not blinking enough, that would indicate the video is a deepfake.

Warped or Blurry Edges

Make sure to look very closely at the edges of the video. If you notice warped or blurry edges, that can also indicate the video is a deepfake. Color inconsistencies can also appear.

How Can You Spot an AI Voice Clone Scam?

Wondering how to easily spot an AI voice clone scam? Well, AI models cannot replicate human speech and emotion perfectly. To recognise a voice scam upon receiving a suspicious call, here are a few telltale signs to look out for:

Noticeable Digital Artefacts

You may occasionally hear a faint electronic echo, buzzing or audio glitches. This mostly does not happen with human speakers.

Flat or Monotone Effect

Sometimes, an AI-replicated voice lacks the essence of human tone, such as highs and lows in the voice. This is because the AI voice sounds robotic or detached even when the voice itself may be correct.

Lack of Background Sounds

Usually, in these kinds of AI sounds, you do not hear any background sounds at all. For instance, a real human speaking would make at least some of these subconscious sounds during a call, like sighing, clearing their throat, or other kinds of filler noises.

What are the Most Common Forms of Deepfake and AI Voice Cloning Scams in India?

Here are a few of the most common forms of deepfake and AI voice cloning scams that are prevalent in the present day and age in India:

Impersonation of Law Enforcement

Many scammers use deepfakes of real police officers and other law enforcement authorities to request personal information. They conduct these scams often over texts, calls or at times even in video calls. Their primary purpose is to extort money from unsuspecting victims over any communication form.

The primary demographic that is targeted by these scams is elderly people and those unfamiliar with procedural norms.

Personal Connection Scams

Scammers also use deepfake voice and AI clone voices to create fake profiles on dating sites and apps. Then they ask for donations or loans from people by using emotional manipulation. Reportedly, this type of scam is on the rise these days and requires people to be aware of these fakes.

Final Words

Victims of AI voice cloning scams and deepfakes have to face devastating aftermaths of being targeted. It's important to stay up to date on the tricks these impostors use so you can stay ahead of the game and prevent them.

Another option is cyber insurance, which can cover financial and legal losses related to cybercrime. A Bajaj General cyber insurance plan can help you stay protected if you get scammed and need financial or legal support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are deepfakes illegal in India?

Creating a deepfake for the purpose of using it for illicit deception or defamation is illegal. Even if it is made with the intention of harming someone else, it is illegal.

What to do if I come across my deepfake?

If you come across your deepfake on any online media platform, please immediately report it to the cyber cell or police.

What is a 3-finger test for AI?

The 3-finger test is a viral method to identify AI-generated video calls. Ask the person to show three fingers and check for unnatural shapes, merging, or distortion.

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