Khargone: A retired electricity department employee from Barwaha town was allegedly duped of more than Rs 27 lakh after being lured by AI-generated fake videos showing the prime minister and finance minister promising high investment returns.
How the Scam Unfolded
According to police, the victim, Awadh Bihari Sharma, a retired electricity employee residing in Srinagar Colony on Narmada Road in Barwaha, came across several YouTube videos promoting investment schemes and mutual fund-related opportunities. The videos falsely featured AI-generated (deepfake) versions of the prime minister, finance minister, and other prominent personalities endorsing investment plans and assuring investors of high returns and complete safety of their funds.
Believing the videos to be genuine, Sharma contacted the numbers provided in the advertisements. The fraudsters allegedly convinced him to invest by offering attractive returns and citing special benefits for senior citizens.
Financial Loss and Further Threats
Barwaha police station in-charge Balram Singh Rathore said that the victim transferred a total of Rs 27.16 lakh from his two bank accounts into multiple bank accounts over a period of about one month. Even after obtaining the money, the fraudsters allegedly continued to target Sharma. They informed him that his registered account reflected an excess amount of Rs 25 lakh beyond the permissible limit and threatened legal action if he failed to explain the source of the funds.
Fearing legal consequences, Sharma attempted to arrange additional money and approached an acquaintance for financial assistance. When asked about the reason for requiring such a large amount, he shared the investment videos and details of transactions.
Realization and Complaint
The acquaintance immediately recognized the videos as AI-generated deepfakes and informed Sharma that he had fallen victim to a cyber fraud. Realizing the scam, the retired employee approached authorities. Police said Sharma has lodged a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
