A Startling Rise in Cyber Frauds

Between January and May 2025, cybercriminals took away nearly ₹938 crore from unsuspecting victims in Karnataka alone. That staggering number reflects a dangerous new reality: AI-powered scams are becoming the norm, not the exception. What used to be basic phishing has evolved into highly-pervasive, customized assaults on individuals and senior citizens.

 How AI Has Supercharged Scams

Thanks to breakthroughs in AI, scammers now generate hyper-realistic phishing emails, craft duplicate websites, and even create deepfake audio and video to fool targets into thinking they’re dealing with trusted contacts or institutions. Alarmingly, recent data shows that 8 out of every 10 phishing campaigns are now AI-assisted—meaning they’re faster, smarter, and more convincing than ever before.

The Real Victims

The impact is not just financial—it’s personal and emotional. Elders, small business owners, and everyday digital citizens are losing hard-earned savings. Stories of families devastated by sudden withdrawals are becoming disturbingly frequent.

One official noted: “It’s not just about money lost. Trust is broken, and rebuilding it takes much longer.”

 Why the Numbers Keep Growing

  • Rapid digital adoption: As India transitions toward cashless, digital payments and UPI transactions, the potential targets have multiplied.

  • Low awareness: Most people still believe only obvious scams happen. AI-based fraud often feels legitimate until it's too late.

  • Regulatory gaps: Laws and enforcement are struggling to adapt to this fast-moving tech threat.

  • Global access for criminals: AI tools are accessible worldwide, making it easy for anyone—anywhere—to launch cross-border scams.

What Can You Do Right Now

  1. Pause & Think: Don’t click links or share OTPs without verifying the sender.

  2. Two-Factor Authentication: Always enable 2FA—preferably using app-based methods, not SMS.

  3. Stay Updated: Watch for bank alerts and use official UPI apps for transactions.

  4. Use AI Detection Tools: Emerging apps can now detect deepfake voices or doctored images.

  5. Report Immediately: If something feels off, tell your bank, file a complaint, and alert cybercrime authorities.

 A Collective Responsibility

Banks, fintech companies, and platforms like Google are stepping up. Google recently introduced AI-driven safeguards in India, aimed at preventing up to ₹20,000 crore in fraud by year-end. But systemic change needs public awareness, regulatory stringency, and proactive reporting.

 The Bottom Line

AI is reshaping our world—bringing unimaginable convenience while also enabling smarter crime. The challenges are enormous, but we’re not helpless. With caution, awareness, and collective effort, we can reclaim digital trust and security.

At NewsBuddy, our message is clear: Get smart, stay secure—and don’t let the scammers win.