Aadhaar Deepfake Video Verification Scam
Verdict: Suspicious | Risk Score: 7/10 | Severity: high
Category: UPI, WhatsApp, KYC
How Aadhaar Deepfake Video Verification Scam Works
Overview: Scammers now use AI-generated videos to impersonate official Aadhaar verification officers during calls, tricking people into sharing personal OTPs, biometric info, or making payments. This scam targets ordinary citizens, especially senior citizens and semi-urban residents, exploiting growing reliance on online KYC and the trust in 'official' government representatives. Deepfakes make it nearly impossible to spot a fake officer. How It Works: Criminals source video footage of UIDAI officials or simply create a generic yet official-looking 'verification officer' using AI. They schedule a video call (often via WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google Meet), explaining it is a new step in KYC due to 'recent RBI/UIDAI guidelines.' The deepfake officer requests your Aadhaar number, then asks for the OTP sent to your phone, or instructs you to scan your fingerprint or click pictures of signatures for 'system verification.' Sometimes, they pressure victims to pay small 'processing fees' via UPI. India Angle: Rural and semi-urban areas with less digital literacy (UP, Bihar, Odisha, Kerala) are particularly vulnerable, as people trust video calls more than voice and don't easily verify official identities. Senior citizens across India are at higher risk due to less frequent use of online KYC, making them less familiar with scam tactics. Real Examples: - An elderly woman in Aligarh receives a video call with a person wearing a UIDAI-logo jacket, who asks her to read aloud an OTP for 'KYC update.' - A Kerala man is asked to pay Rs. 499 via UPI to avoid suspension of his Aadhaar-linked bank account, with the entire call showing a 'UIDAI officer’s' face. Red Flags: - Demands for Aadhaar OTP, biometric scans, or full numbers on a video call. - Requests for KYC via unofficial channels (WhatsApp, personal Gmail IDs). - Pressure to make instant payments as processing fees. - Poor-quality official badges or set-up visible in the video. Protective Measures: Remember, no Aadhaar or government officer will ever ask for OTPs, biometrics, or payments over a video call. Do not disclose sensitive info over WhatsApp or similar channels. Always insist on in-person or official website-based communications. Educate family members, especially elders, to be skeptical of such calls. If Victimised: Call your bank immediately to freeze accounts if details or OTP are shared. Report the scam to UIDAI and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in and 1930. Warn local community groups and share details with bank/customer support. Related Scams: - Phone calls impersonating government pension/KYC teams. - Deepfake PAN or bank KYC video calls. - Fraudulent customer care video verifications.
Visual Intelligence:
BharatSecure's AI has identified this as a used in scams targeting Indian users.
Who Does Aadhaar Deepfake Video Verification Scam Target?
General public across India
Red Flags — How to Identify Aadhaar Deepfake Video Verification Scam
- Demands for Aadhaar OTP or biometrics during video calls
- Requests for payments or fees through UPI
- Unofficial communication channels (WhatsApp, Gmail)
- Fake government badges or low-quality settings
What To Do If You Encounter Aadhaar Deepfake Video Verification Scam
- Do not click any links or share personal information
- Block and report the sender immediately
- Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930
- Inform your bank if financial details were shared
How to Report Aadhaar Deepfake Video Verification Scam in India
- Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (24x7)
- File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
- Contact your bank immediately if money was lost
- Call RBI helpline: 14440 for banking fraud
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Aadhaar Deepfake Video Verification Scam?
- Overview: Scammers now use AI-generated videos to impersonate official Aadhaar verification officers during calls, tricking people into sharing personal OTPs, biometric info, or making payments. This scam targets ordinary citizens, especially senior citizens and semi-urban residents, exploiting growing reliance on online KYC and the trust in 'official' government representatives. Deepfakes make it nearly impossible to spot a fake officer. How It Works: Criminals source video footage of UIDAI of
- How does Aadhaar Deepfake Video Verification Scam work?
- Overview: Scammers now use AI-generated videos to impersonate official Aadhaar verification officers during calls, tricking people into sharing personal OTPs, biometric info, or making payments. This scam targets ordinary citizens, especially senior citizens and semi-urban residents, exploiting growing reliance on online KYC and the trust in 'official' government representatives. Deepfakes make it
- How to protect yourself from Aadhaar Deepfake Video Verification Scam?
- Do not click any links or share personal information Block and report the sender immediately Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 Inform your bank if financial details were shared
- How to report Aadhaar Deepfake Video Verification Scam in India?
- Report to cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline). You can also contact your local police station's cyber cell.
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