Bengaluru Woman Loses ₹3.75 Crore to Investment Scam Using Sadhguru Deepfake
A 57-year-old retired woman in Bengaluru was defrauded of nearly ₹3.75 crore after falling for an investment scam that used an AI-generated deepfake video of spiritual leader Sadhguru. The victim saw the video on social media, where the deepfake endorsed a trading firm. After clicking a link and investing, she was contacted by fraudsters who guided her to transfer large sums into various accounts via a trading app. The cybercrime police have registered a case, highlighting the growing threat of sophisticated AI-driven scams.
Unpacked:
The scammers created an AI-generated deepfake video of Sadhguru endorsing a trading firm. The victim, believing it was genuine, clicked a link, provided personal details, and was subsequently guided by fraudsters through WhatsApp and Zoom to invest large sums in fake schemes, using psychological tactics to build trust.
The cybercrime police have registered a case and begun investigating the scam. Sadhguru also approached the Delhi High Court to protect his personality rights against unauthorized AI content, highlighting broader legal and regulatory concerns about deepfakes.
AI-driven deepfake scams are increasingly prevalent in India, with multiple cases reported in recent months. The February-April period saw a surge in fake advertisements featuring AI-generated celebrity voices, indicating a growing threat and need for public awareness.
Individuals should verify the authenticity of videos and endorsements, avoid clicking suspicious links, check for official sources, and be cautious when sharing personal details online. Awareness of deepfake technology and skepticism towards unsolicited investment offers are crucial preventive measures.