Deepfake Danger: MHA Warns Against Fake Welfare Scheme Ads on Meta Platforms
MHA issues alert over deepfake videos of PM and ministers on Facebook and Instagram used to scam people through fake government welfare schemes.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sounded a high alert for citizens against a sophisticated wave of financial fraud. Scammers are increasingly using fake welfare scheme ads on Facebook and Instagram, employing manipulated and deepfake videos of high-profile public figures to trick innocent people into parting with their hard-earned money.
The Deepfake Trap: How Scammers Use Public Figures
According to an advisory issued by the National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU) of the MHA, fraudsters are creating deceptive advertisements featuring the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and various Chief Ministers. These videos are digitally altered to make it appear as though these leaders are announcing new government welfare schemes or promising direct financial assistance to those in need.
These ads typically lead victims down one of two paths:
- Some advertisements provide a phone number for the victim to call.
- Others redirect users to fraudulent websites designed to look official, where they are asked to "claim" their benefits.
The Modus Operandi: From 'Processing Fees' to UPI Scams
Once a victim is hooked, the fraudsters move the conversation to phone calls or WhatsApp chats. The MHA warns that the scams generally follow these deceptive patterns:
The 'Administrative Fee' Ruse
Fraudsters claim that the victim has been selected for financial aid. However, before the funds can be released, the victims are pressured to pay "taxes," "processing fees," "registration charges," or "verification fees." These payments are demanded repeatedly under various administrative pretexts.
The Gamified Fraud
In other instances, users are lured by fake cashback rewards or interactive "spin-and-win" and "scratch-card" contests. To receive the supposed prize, victims are tricked into approving UPI collect requests. The MHA emphasizes a critical point: a UPI PIN is used to authorize payments, not to receive money. By entering their PIN, victims inadvertently authorize a transfer from their own account to the scammer.
The International Connection
The advisory highlights a worrying trend involving international calls. Citizens are urged to be extremely cautious if they receive calls from numbers starting with +92 (Pakistan's country code). These callers often pose as representatives of public figures or government offices, claiming the recipient has been randomly selected for financial assistance.
How to Protect Yourself: MHA Guidelines
To combat these scams, the NCTAU has provided a clear set of safety measures for the public:
- Verify via Official Sources: Always check the official websites of the concerned government departments before trusting any social media advertisement.
- Confirm Identities: If someone claims to represent a government office, verify their identity through official channels or visit the office in person.
- Guard Sensitive Data: Never share Aadhaar details, PAN numbers, bank account information, OTPs, or UPI PINs with unknown persons.
- Question the Payment: Always verify the purpose and the recipient of any payment requested in exchange for a government benefit.
- Scrutinize Media: Be skeptical of videos and voice recordings of public officials; verify their authenticity through trusted news sources.
Reporting Cybercrime
The Ministry of Home Affairs urges anyone who encounters these fraudulent applications or has fallen victim to such scams to act immediately. Victims should report the incident by calling the national helpline 1930 or by visiting the official portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in.