Dr K H Patil Scammed by Deepfake Mukesh Ambani Video

A recent incident in Mumbai, India, has shed light on the dangers of deepfake technology, as a doctor named Dr K H Patil fell victim to a sophisticated scam. The scam involved a fabricated video featuring Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani endorsing a non-existent share trading academy, leading Patil to invest over INR700,000 in hopes of lucrative returns.

Dr Patil first encountered the deceptive deepfake video on Instagram, where Ambani appeared to promote the fictitious Rajive Sharma Trade Group and BCF Academy. Convinced by the video's authenticity, she proceeded to investigate further, even finding supposed offices of the group in London and Mumbai, which added to her trust in the scam.

Between May and June, Dr Patil invested a significant sum of money, resulting in a supposed profit of over INR30,000. However, her attempts to withdraw the profits proved futile, leading her to realize that she had been deceived by fraudsters.

Upon seeking help from the Oshiwara Police in Andheri, a case was registered against unidentified individuals. The police are currently examining 16 bank accounts linked to the scam, highlighting a concerning trend of cyber scammers exploiting social media platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram to lure unsuspecting investors.

Another alarming incident involved scammers using images from a pre-wedding event of Anant Ambani to promote fraudulent investment schemes. Authorities have issued a warning to the public, advising individuals to verify the legitimacy of investment opportunities through physical means and not solely rely on online information.

The case of Dr Patil serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with deepfake technology and online investment scams. It underscores the importance of due diligence and verification when considering financial opportunities, urging individuals to exercise caution and skepticism in the digital age.