Deepfake Scams Targeting Citizens with Fake Government Schemes

• •Fraudsters use deepfake videos of Indian leaders to promote fake schemes.
• •Victims are coerced into making payments for non-existent government benefits.
• •Scammers often use UPI transactions to withdraw money from victims' accounts.

The National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU) issued an advisory on October 19, 2026, warning that fraudsters are using deepfake videos of prominent Indian leaders, including PM Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, to promote fake welfare schemes. Victims are misled into paying fees for non-existent benefits, often through UPI transactions. The scams involve ads on platforms like Instagram, directing victims to fraudulent websites or calls from international numbers, particularly those with Pakistan's +92 country code. The advisory emphasizes the need for caution regarding requests for personal information and payments. Victims are advised to verify claims through official channels and report any fraud to the national cybercrime helpline.