Fake Vendor Payment Request Deepfake Scam

How Fake Vendor Payment Request Deepfake Scam Works

Overview: In this advanced scam, fraudsters impersonate your company’s trusted vendors using AI-generated videos or altered voices. The aim is to trick company staff into sending large amounts of money to fraudulent accounts, believing they’re settling real invoices or expedited orders. This scam is particularly risky for businesses using regular vendor payments, as even a cautious finance department can be fooled by the realism of today’s deepfakes. How It Works: The scammer starts by researching the company, its suppliers, and recent deal news through business networks and procurement portals. They create deepfake video or audio of a known vendor executive, reaching out with urgent requests via email, WhatsApp, or even a live video call. The imposter demands payment for 'pending' or 'priority' orders, citing supposed emergencies or lucrative deals. The fake vendor often insists on payment to a 'new bank account' or claims past payment channels are problematic. The pressure is high, and staff often bypass normal verification, especially when the request seems to come live from a familiar face. India Angle: The scam is common among businesses in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru—cities with heavy vendor networks and frequent NEFT/RTGS transactions. Sectors such as IT, logistics, manufacturing, and export-import are more exposed, especially when vendor relations are handled remotely. Popular Indian communication channels like WhatsApp Business, email, and even Zoom are at risk. Real Examples: - A Mumbai company’s accounts head gets a WhatsApp video call from a person who appears to be their long-time supplier, urgently asking for an overdue Rs. 50 lakh payment to a new IFSC code due to 'bank issues.' - A Pune export officer receives an email followed by a video call, both featuring the familiar vendor’s deepfake avatar pressing for a same-day UPI transfer for a 'priority consignment.' Red Flags: - Unusual payment requests from established vendors, especially with sudden urgency. - Instructions to change bank details without proper paperwork. - Use of personal or new numbers/emails instead of official channels. - Reluctance to provide time for independent verification. Protective Measures: Always double-confirm changes in payment instructions by calling the vendor using previous, trusted numbers. Insist on written verification for changes in bank accounts. Set up secondary approval for large payments and educate staff about deepfake risks. Never process payments solely based on video or audio calls, no matter how convincing. If Victimised: Immediately call your bank to stop or recall the transaction. Alert your company security, and file a report on cybercrime.gov.in and with the 1930 helpline. Share all evidence with the police and your industry networks to prevent others from falling for similar scams. Related Scams: - Business email compromise (spoofed invoices). - Fake UPI QR code scams from 'suppliers.' - Deepfake WhatsApp calls impersonating customers requesting refunds.

Visual Intelligence:

BharatSecure's AI has identified this as a used in scams targeting Indian users.

Who Does Fake Vendor Payment Request Deepfake Scam Target?

General public across India

Red Flags — How to Identify Fake Vendor Payment Request Deepfake Scam

• Urgent payment requests from known vendors via video call
• Requests for immediate transfer to new bank accounts
• Contact through unknown numbers or emails
• Effort to discourage independent verification

What To Do If You Encounter Fake Vendor Payment Request Deepfake Scam

1. Do not click any links or share personal information
2. Block and report the sender immediately
3. Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930
4. Inform your bank if financial details were shared

How to Report Fake Vendor Payment Request Deepfake 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 Fake Vendor Payment Request Deepfake Scam?

Overview: In this advanced scam, fraudsters impersonate your company’s trusted vendors using AI-generated videos or altered voices. The aim is to trick company staff into sending large amounts of money to fraudulent accounts, believing they’re settling real invoices or expedited orders. This scam is particularly risky for businesses using regular vendor payments, as even a cautious finance department can be fooled by the realism of today’s deepfakes. How It Works: The scammer starts by research

How does Fake Vendor Payment Request Deepfake Scam work?

Overview: In this advanced scam, fraudsters impersonate your company’s trusted vendors using AI-generated videos or altered voices. The aim is to trick company staff into sending large amounts of money to fraudulent accounts, believing they’re settling real invoices or expedited orders. This scam is particularly risky for businesses using regular vendor payments, as even a cautious finance departm

How to protect yourself from Fake Vendor Payment Request Deepfake 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 Fake Vendor Payment Request Deepfake 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.