A new AI-driven scam is emerging in public places — and it looks harmless at first.
How the scam works
Well-dressed elderly strangers approach people in malls, airports, cafés, railway stations, or parks. They appear confused and politely ask for help:
- “I clicked something by mistake.”
- “Can you help me understand this setting?”
- “I need help figuring out something on my phone.”
In India especially, people are quick to help, assuming the person is not tech-savvy.
But here’s the catch.
While you’re leaning over their phone explaining things, their camera is already recording you — often in video mode. Your face, voice, and expressions are captured clearly. That biometric data can be used by AI tools to create a digital clone of you.
With enough video and voice samples, scammers can:
- Generate a realistic AI voice clone
- Create deepfake videos
- Bypass facial recognition systems
- Attempt fraud using your identity
They don’t need your OTP. They don’t need your bank details.
Your face and voice are enough.
Why this is dangerous
Modern AI tools require only seconds of high-quality footage to replicate:
- Facial features
- Eye movements
- Lip sync
- Voice tone and pitch
This cloned identity can then be used to scam your family, access financial accounts, or manipulate others.
How to stay safe
- Avoid leaning into strangers’ phones
- Do not allow unknown people to record you
- Offer verbal guidance from a distance instead
- Be cautious if someone insists you come closer
- If something feels off, walk away
Helping others is a beautiful trait. But in the AI era, your biometric identity is valuable data.
Please stay alert. Share this message widely.
Awareness is the only protection.
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