Romance Sextortion via Deepfake Video Calls — How to Identify & Stay Safe

INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team · Updated May 06, 2026

Severity: HIGH | View Full Scam Details

Beware Romance Sextortion via Deepfake Video Calls in India 2026: A Growing Cybercrime Threat

Romance sextortion scams using deepfake video calls are escalating in India in 2026, causing financial and emotional havoc, especially via UPI and WhatsApp.

What Is the Romance Sextortion via Deepfake Video Calls?

Romance sextortion via deepfake video calls is a disturbing cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate romantic partners using AI-generated fake videos or real-time deepfake technology. The attackers trick victims into believing they are in a private, intimate video call, then use these fabricated or manipulated videos to blackmail the victim for money. The scam often targets young adults, especially those active on dating apps or social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, and those engaging in online investment or financial discussions.

This scam is increasingly widespread across Indian metros and Tier 2 cities, exploiting the rising use of smartphones and UPI for instant money transfer. The Indian government’s cybercrime agencies, like CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) and the Ministry of Home Affairs’ I4C (Inter-Departmental Committee on Cyber Crime), have issued warnings about the growing use of AI technology for deception. Although quick UPI payments offer convenience, fraudsters misuse this speed to quickly drain victims’ bank accounts before reversals can be processed.

How This Scam Works — Step by Step

1. Initial Contact: The scam usually begins through WhatsApp or dating apps where the fraudster initiates a conversation pretending to be a romantic interest. Sometimes they respond to public posts or ask for friendship.

2. Building Trust: Over days or weeks, the attacker builds emotional rapport, gaining trust by sharing fake personal stories or showing convincing fake avatars created using AI.

3. Deepfake Video Call: The fraudster requests a video call, but the video is actually a deepfake—AI-generated or pre-recorded footage manipulated in real-time to mimic a face. The victim believes they are interacting live with a real person.

4. Sextortion Setup: During the call, the attacker convinces the victim to share explicit content or engage in compromising talk. They record or simulate this exchange using deepfake tech.

5. Blackmail: The scammer then threatens to circulate or post the explicit content or manipulated videos on social media and WhatsApp groups unless the victim pays a ransom, often demanding payment through UPI or direct bank transfer.

6. Urgent Payment Demand: The fraudster pressures the victim to send money immediately to avoid damage to their reputation, commonly using multiple WhatsApp messages and even impersonating law enforcement officers or lawyers.

7. Financial Loss: Victims transfer money via UPI or investment platforms, sometimes also coerced into buying cryptocurrency or making fake “investment” payments to fraudsters posing as brokers.

Real Warning Signs to Watch For

• You receive video calls from unknown contacts insisting on private conversations.
• The person refuses face-to-face meetings but insists on video calls with odd video glitches or lag that seem unnatural.
• They pressurize you to share intimate images or videos early in the conversation.
• Sudden threats to expose private content if you do not send money immediately.
• Requests for payment only via UPI, cryptocurrency, or direct bank transfers, often to multiple accounts.
• They claim to be from law enforcement or legal officials but communicate exclusively on WhatsApp or messaging apps.
• The scammer avoids answering simple personal questions directly or gives inconsistent stories.

What Happens to Victims

Victims of this scam often face serious financial losses. UPI payments are usually instant and irreversible, making it difficult to recover funds once transferred. Fraudsters may also use details gathered during the scam (like Aadhaar number, phone number) for identity theft or SIM swapping, leading to further unauthorized transactions on victims’ bank accounts.

Emotionally, victims suffer from anxiety, shame, and fear of social stigma. Many hesitate to report due to embarrassment or distrust in the justice system. The psychological trauma can be long-lasting, affecting mental health and personal relationships.

What RBI and CERT-In Say

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and CERT-In have issued advisories warning citizens about the misuse of UPI for fast money laundering in cyber frauds, stressing the importance of vigilance especially in financial transactions involving strangers. The RBI recommends verifying all payment requests and using the official UPI app or RBI-approved platforms only.

CERT-In’s official warnings highlight the rise of AI-based cybercrimes, including deepfake scams, urging users to be cautious while sharing any form of digital content and to report suspicious activity immediately.

If you encounter such fraud, you can reach the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) via their dedicated helpline 1930 or register complaints on cybercrime.gov.in. RBI’s customer helpline is also available for transaction-related complaints.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Verify Identities: Always authenticate the identity of new contacts before engaging in video calls. Use face-to-face or live meetings if possible.

2. Don’t Share Intimate Content: Never share personal or explicit images/videos via WhatsApp or any other platform, especially with people you’ve just met online.

3. Beware of Urgent Payment Requests: Never send money on pressure, especially through UPI or direct transfers to unknown accounts.

4. Use Official Apps: Only use official UPI apps with multi-factor authentication for transactions.

5. Update Privacy Settings: Limit who can call or message you on social apps, and avoid accepting unknown friend requests or calls.

6. Educate Yourself About Deepfakes: Understand that video or voice calls can be manipulated; trust your instincts if something seems off.

7. Report Early: At the first sign of suspicious behavior, block the contact and report to local cybercrime authorities or through cybercrime.gov.in.

What to Do If You've Been Targeted

• Stop All Communication: Immediately block the fraudster on WhatsApp and other platforms.
• Do Not Pay: Avoid sending money, even if threatened.
• Change Passwords: Secure all your accounts with strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Inform Your Bank: Contact your bank and UPI app support to freeze transactions or accounts if needed.
• File a Complaint: Report the incident on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
• Call Helplines: Dial 1930 for cybercrime support, and also contact RBI helpline for financial grievances.
• Preserve Evidence: Save all messages, call logs, and transaction receipts for investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can deepfake technology really fool me on video calls?
Yes. Deepfake AI can convincingly mimic facial movements and voice in real time, making it difficult to distinguish real from fake video calls.

Q: What should I do if someone tries to blackmail me with a deepfake video?
Do not pay or respond to threats. Block the person immediately, gather evidence, and report the case to cybercrime authorities and your bank.

Q: Is there any way to recover money lost through UPI in such scams?
UPI payments are nearly instant and often irreversible. However, if reported early, banks and the RBI may assist in investigations or freezing suspect accounts. Always report loss immediately.

To stay safe from such scams, verify suspicious messages and calls instantly at BharatSecure.app — your trusted partner in digital fraud awareness and prevention.