Voice-cloning call scams
Some tools can copy a voice from a few seconds of audio. Scammers call pretending to be a relative in trouble and ask for money urgently.
- Agree on a family code word for emergencies.
- Hang up and call back on a number you already know.
- Be suspicious of urgency, secrecy and requests for UPI, gift cards or OTPs.
Fake photos and videos (deepfakes)
- Look for odd hands, ears, teeth, jewellery and text.
- Watch lips: do they match the words exactly?
- Check the source: is it from an official account or a trusted news site?
- Do a reverse image search (Google Lens) to find where it first appeared.
False answers from chatbots
Chatbots can invent facts, links and quotes. Ask for sources, open them, and check important facts in a second place.
Lesson learned
Seeing or hearing is no longer proof. Pause, verify through a second trusted source, and never act on urgency alone.
Frequently asked questions
Can AI really copy my voice?
Yes. Modern voice tools can imitate a voice from short recordings, which is why a family code word helps.
How do I report a cyber fraud in India?
Call the national helpline 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.