How AI video fooled lawyer’s hotel investment?

Karnataka : In a disturbing case of cyber fraud in Karnataka, criminals used artificial intelligence to create a fake video of former US President Donald Trump. The fake AI-generated video was posted on YouTube, promoting an investment opportunity in Donald Trump’s hotel rental business. A lawyer was lured by this fraudulent offer and decided to invest in the scheme. Initially, the lawyer received some returns, which gave a false sense of security and encouraged further investment. However, the scheme soon collapsed, and the lawyer ended up losing a significant amount of money. The total amount invested by the lawyer was approximately ₹593,240.

This incident highlights the growing misuse of AI technology by cybercriminals to create realistic but fake videos to deceive people. By leveraging the credibility of a high-profile personality like Donald Trump, scammers managed to gain the trust of their victim. The criminals promised attractive returns from the hotel rental investment, which made the offer appear genuine and lucrative. Unfortunately, after gaining the trust and money of the lawyer, the scammers disappeared, leaving the victim with heavy financial losses.

The use of deepfake technology and AI-generated content in cybercrime is an alarming trend that poses serious risks to individuals and businesses. As technology advances, it becomes increasingly difficult to differentiate between real and manipulated videos. Experts warn that such scams could become more frequent and sophisticated, targeting innocent people with fake endorsements and investment schemes. It is a stark reminder to exercise extreme caution when dealing with online investment offers and to verify the authenticity of such claims before committing money.

Authorities are investigating the matter and advising the public to be vigilant about AI-based frauds. Legal and cybersecurity experts recommend that individuals verify sources thoroughly and avoid falling prey to attractive but suspicious investment deals promoted through social media or online platforms. This case serves as a cautionary tale about how cutting-edge technology can be weaponized by criminals to exploit unsuspecting victims.