Miscreants use IPS officer’s voice, face for fake scheme

Kanpur: An IPS officer became victim of deepfake after some unidentified miscreants used Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to create a video using face and voice of an IPS officer to promote a fraudulent scheme involving packaging of stationery items.
Govindnagar police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the matter. According to the available information, a 32-second video showing Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) South Ankita Sharma advising viewers to engage in a work-from-home opportunity involving packaging of pencils and pens has gone viral.
The fraudsters used AI to replicate the officer’s voice and appearance stating that the company would deliver necessary material to the residential address of the participants and also promised a monthly remuneration of Rs 30,000 for the packaging work, with an initial advance of Rs 15,000.
The video also provided a mobile number, which was later traced to the cyber criminals. The cyber team of the police has commenced a thorough investigation into the mater. ACP media cell Abhishek Kumar Pandey said that the viral video was created using AI technology and that the manipulation of official’s face and voice constitutes a criminal offence.
“Investigations to trace the cyber crooks are underway after registration of a formal complaint at the Govindnagar police station,” said the ADCP, adding, “The responsibility of investigation has been handed over to the Cyber Cell and Crime Branch. Soon the fraudsters will be in police net.”