In a chilling reminder of the rising dangers of Artificial Intelligence in the hands of cybercriminals, a 22-year-old software professional from Bengaluru has fallen victim to a sophisticated AI DeepFake sextortion racket. The victim lost ₹1.5 lakh after being blackmailed with private video footage generated during a trap set on a dating application.
The Honeytrap: From Dating App to WhatsApp
The ordeal began when the techie matched with a profile on a popular dating app. After a few days of messaging, the scammers persuaded him to move the conversation to WhatsApp.
The Bait: The scammers used high-quality AI-generated images and voice notes to build trust.
The Trap: During a late-night WhatsApp video call, an "AI-simulated woman" encouraged the victim to engage in explicit acts and strip on camera.
The Execution: Unknown to the victim, the attackers were using screen-recording software to capture every moment.
The Blackmail and Extortion
Minutes after the call ended, the victim received his own recorded video with a terrifying ultimatum: "Pay up or we send this to your entire contact list and post it on social media."
Panic-stricken and fearing social stigma, the young professional transferred ₹1.5 lakh across multiple UPI transactions. When the demands for money showed no signs of stopping, he eventually confided in friends and approached the authorities. boAt 2025 Launch Rockerz 113, 40H Battery, Dual Pair, Fast Charge, ENx Tech, Stream Ad Free Music via App Support, Magnetic Buds, Bluetooth Neckband, Wireless with Mic in Ear Earphones (Active Black)
Legal Action & Police Advisory
The Bengaluru North Division Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act and Section 308 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police Safety Guidelines:
Avoid Strangers on Video: Never accept video calls from unknown numbers or profiles recently met on dating apps.
Permission Check: Be wary of apps that ask for access to your "Contacts" and "Gallery" this is how scammers find your family’s phone numbers for blackmail.
Report Immediately: If you are a victim, do not pay. Call the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in. Also Read: CleanTech Revolution: How Green Technology & Government Initiatives are Shaping India’s Sustainable Future!?