MHA Warns of Deepfake Welfare Scams
India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), has warned citizens about sophisticated cyber fraud involving fake government welfare schemes promoted through Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
According to the National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU), fraudsters are using AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and State Chief Ministers to advertise fraudulent financial assistance programmes.
These deceptive advertisements promise cash benefits, subsidies, scratch-card rewards and other incentives. Victims clicking suspicious links are redirected to fraudulent websites, WhatsApp conversations or phone numbers controlled by cybercriminals.
The advisory specifically highlights suspicious communications originating from international numbers, including Pakistan's +92 country code. Fraudsters falsely inform recipients that they have been selected for government benefits and demand registration, processing or verification charges.
Scammers also exploit India's digital payment ecosystem by manipulating victims into approving UPI collect requests or entering UPI PINs. Importantly, receiving money never requires entering a UPI PIN, which authorises outgoing payments.
The I4C advises citizens to verify welfare schemes through official government portals, including myScheme, and avoid sharing Aadhaar, PAN, banking credentials or OTPs. Victims should immediately report financial fraud through 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in. Suspicious communications can also be reported through Sanchar Saathi's Chakshu facility.
The larger concern is the growing convergence of deepfake technology, social media advertising and financial fraud. Stronger AI-powered impersonation detection, advertisement verification and coordinated platform intervention are essential to protect citizens, prevent financial losses and restore trust in digital governance