AI Deepfake Scammers Are Now Taking Loans in Your Name Using Just One Photo

As technology continues to evolve, reports of scams are rising in tandem. Previously, scams were primarily conducted over phone calls for instance, someone might pose as a police officer, claim you have been placed under "digital arrest," and demand money. I, too, have encountered such a scam, but I managed to escape it. Perhaps you, too, have received a similar call and successfully avoided falling victim to it; that is likely why both you and I turn to tech platforms like AndroBranch, where we can access a wealth of information regarding the latest technological developments.

However, scammers also understand that if they employ a specific tactic today, they must devise a different one tomorrow. A new type of scam has now surfaced in which fraudsters are directly utilizing AI to take out loans in your name. Therefore, stay with this article until the very end to understand exactly how this scam operates and how we can avoid falling into its trap.

A recent report has surfaced indicating that scammers are utilizing AI deepfakes to obtain loans in other people's names. In a similar vein, the Ahmedabad Cyber ​​Crime Branch has exposed an inter-state gang that was stealing people's identities with the aid of AI deepfakes to secure loans in their names. Ironically, people are inadvertently contributing to this type of fraud themselves these days; since most of us are active on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram and frequently post our photographs, a single such photo becomes the very weapon these scammers use against us.

Let’s understand the process involved. First, these scammers identify financially well-off individuals and then target them. To do this, they extract GST and PAN details using platforms like MastersIndia and other tools to determine whether the individual is likely to qualify for a loan. Subsequently, they gather the individual's photographs and other personal information posted on social media. In some instances, data brokers and cyber café agents were also part of this network. Following these steps, the perpetrators utilized AI tools such as Gemini and Meta AI to generate fake "eye-blink" deepfake videos. These videos were employed to bypass the Aadhaar face verification system, thereby allowing them to update Aadhaar details without the physical presence of the actual individual.

The most critical step in this process was changing the mobile number linked to the Aadhaar account. Once the mobile number was altered, control over services such as OTPs, bank alerts, and DigiLocker shifted into the hands of the criminals. Subsequently, new SIM cards were issued, bank accounts were opened, and personal loans ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 were secured. To make the money difficult to trace, the funds were routed through multiple bank accounts. Investigations revealed that the gang was generating an annual income of approximately ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh through these fraudulent activities.

So, how did this case finally come to light? Despite the gang operating with extreme caution, a businessman suddenly stopped receiving OTPs. It was later discovered that loans had already been secured in his name. Investigating agencies have highlighted the existence of "serious loopholes" within the Aadhaar system, and further investigations are currently underway.

So, that covers the report up to this point; however, the scam is not necessarily over just because one gang has been apprehended. It is unknown how many other gangs might still be carrying out such scams; therefore, we, too, need to remain vigilant. Please read all the steps listed below carefully and, under no circumstances, compromise your personal safety.

• Avoid publicly sharing clear, high-resolution photos of yourself on social media.

• Minimize sharing personal information such as your PAN, Aadhaar, or mobile number online.

• Periodically verify that the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar is accurate and active.

• Be immediately alert if you suddenly stop receiving OTPs or bank alerts.

• Regularly monitor your bank accounts and credit history.

• Immediately report any unauthorized loans or transactions.

• Keep SMS and email alerts enabled for all banking and financial activities.