Deepfake SEBI Official Endorsement Scam
Verdict: Suspicious | Risk Score: 7/10 | Severity: high
Category: UPI, WhatsApp, KYC
How Deepfake SEBI Official Endorsement Scam Works
Overview: In this scam, cybercriminals create deepfake videos and synthetic voice recordings of SEBI officials or popular financial celebrities. These fake endorsements are shared via WhatsApp, Telegram, and social media to gain trust. The aim is to convince Indians to invest in fraudulent trading platforms, believing these are officially backed. Anyone interested in online investments—especially middle-aged professionals and retirees—can be targeted and misled by the technology’s realism. How It Works: Scammers generate deepfake videos that appear to show known SEBI officials or famous traders promoting a particular trading platform or stock app. These clips are distributed through WhatsApp groups and Facebook pages. The videos instruct viewers to deposit money into the given account or sign up using a specific referral link. Victims are lured by the credibility of the personalities, unaware that the endorsement is faked. Once funds are deposited, the fraudsters vanish or demand more for "taxes" and "KYC." India Angle: Popular in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, scammers use Hindi or local languages to reach wider audiences. Deepfakes of Indian financial influencers are becoming common. Fraudsters spread these videos in WhatsApp alumni groups, NWAs, and Telegram investment channels, banking on Indians’ high trust in authority figures. Real Examples: "See this video of SEBI Director Mr. Ajay Gupta announcing the official launch of SmartTradeX platform – ‘Invest with confidence, 40% monthly returns guaranteed!’" Or: "Listen to Rakesh Jhunjhunwala (deepfake): ‘My family uses this platform for daily profits!’" Red Flags: - Endorsement videos that seem unnatural or overly perfect - Aggressive sharing on mass WhatsApp or Telegram groups - Promotions guarantee high, fixed returns - Direct UPI links or QR codes in video captions - Urgent deposit requests, citing an "SEBI offer" Protective Measures: Always verify any platform’s legitimacy at SEBI’s site. Cross-check videos on official SEBI or celebrity pages. Never invest based purely on a video or forwarded message. Report deepfakes to the authorities. If Victimised: Report immediately to the 1930 hotline and cybercrime.gov.in. Save video evidence and any chat logs used by the scammer to push the deepfake. Related Scams: Deepfake endorsement is also used in fake crypto investments and job scams, where videos impersonate government officials or celebrities.
Visual Intelligence:
BharatSecure's AI has identified this as a used in scams targeting Indian users.
Who Does Deepfake SEBI Official Endorsement Scam Target?
General public across India
Red Flags — How to Identify Deepfake SEBI Official Endorsement Scam
- Endorsement videos with robotic, unnatural speech or movements
- High-pressure tactics using celebrity names
- Direct UPI/QR links with no real company details
- Promotion of fixed, high returns
- No listing of platform on official SEBI channels
What To Do If You Encounter Deepfake SEBI Official Endorsement 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 Deepfake SEBI Official Endorsement 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 Deepfake SEBI Official Endorsement Scam?
- Overview: In this scam, cybercriminals create deepfake videos and synthetic voice recordings of SEBI officials or popular financial celebrities. These fake endorsements are shared via WhatsApp, Telegram, and social media to gain trust. The aim is to convince Indians to invest in fraudulent trading platforms, believing these are officially backed. Anyone interested in online investments—especially middle-aged professionals and retirees—can be targeted and misled by the technology’s realism. How
- How does Deepfake SEBI Official Endorsement Scam work?
- Overview: In this scam, cybercriminals create deepfake videos and synthetic voice recordings of SEBI officials or popular financial celebrities. These fake endorsements are shared via WhatsApp, Telegram, and social media to gain trust. The aim is to convince Indians to invest in fraudulent trading platforms, believing these are officially backed. Anyone interested in online investments—especially
- How to protect yourself from Deepfake SEBI Official Endorsement 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 Deepfake SEBI Official Endorsement 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.
Verify Any Suspicious Message
Check any suspicious message, link, or call for free at bharatsecure.app. BharatSecure uses AI to detect scams in real-time and protect Indian users.