Shah Rukh Khan & Priyanka Chopra: Scammers’ Celebrity Choice
In an alarming revelation, the iconic faces of Bollywood’s Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas have become top targets for cybercriminals in India. According to a recent McAfee survey, nearly 90% of Indians report encountering scams involving fake celebrity endorsements. This nefarious trend contributes to average losses of Rs 34,000 per victim, underscoring the scale and seriousness of the issue.
The Deepfake Deception
At the heart of these scams is the nefarious use of AI technology. Scammers are leveraging AI-generated deepfakes to create convincing yet entirely fabrications of celebrity endorsements. These deepfakes are then used to promote fraudulent schemes, from bogus giveaways to phishing sites, causing unsuspecting individuals to part with their hard-earned money.
Celebrities Unwittingly Caught in the Net
Shah Rukh Khan tops the list of most exploited celebrities. Following closely are Alia Bhatt, Elon Musk, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Cristiano Ronaldo. As the aggressive targeting continues, global stars like MrBeast, Lionel Messi, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, and members of the Korean band BTS have also been dragged into this digital deception, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.
A Surge in Victim Encounters
The report notes a staggering 60% of Indians have already come across content involving AI-generated deepfakes featuring a long list of celebrities and online creators. The rapid growth of such deceptive media is propelled by the frightening ability to fabricate convincing audio deepfakes with just a few seconds of someone’s voice.
Technological Tools Against the Tide
McAfee’s initiative does not stop at reporting the problem. To combat this growing menace, their Deepfake Detector tool aids consumers by evaluating questionable text, emails, and videos to unmask potential fakery effectively. Although informative, the urgent call to scrutiny and verification before engagement remains a defense line for individuals worldwide.
As stated in The Bridge Chronicle, while technological advancements bring conveniences, they also harbor new challenges. The fight against cyber deception is ongoing, and staying informed remains key to protecting oneself.
So, remember to always verify before you trust.
