Rajasthan Police warn against AI deepfake investment scams and fake trading apps
Synopsis
Rajasthan Police are sounding the alarm on a new breed of financial fraud — one that uses AI-generated deepfake videos of celebrities and industrialists to make fake trading apps look legitimate. The scam's anatomy is precise: social media ads, WhatsApp groups of bots, a convincing fake dashboard, and then the vanishing act once victims try to withdraw. The advisory names the platforms, the tactics, and the helpline numbers citizens need.
Key Takeaways
Rajasthan Police Cyber Crime Branch issued a public advisory on 12 June about AI deepfake investment fraud.
Singh , Additional Director General of Police (Cyber Crime), confirmed cybercriminals are using deepfake videos of celebrities and industrialists to promote fake schemes.
Fraudsters lure victims via ads on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram , then add them to fake WhatsApp/Telegram investment groups.
Victims are asked to download trading apps via APK files and later coerced into paying fake taxes or fees before fraudsters disappear.
Citizens should verify companies with SEBI and download apps only from Google Play Store or Apple App Store .
Report cyber fraud at national helpline 1930 or Rajasthan Cyber Helpdesk: 9256001930 / 9257510100 .
The Rajasthan Police Cyber Crime Branch issued a public advisory on 12 June alerting citizens to a surge in cyber fraud schemes that exploit AI-generated deepfake videos, counterfeit stock market applications, and deceptive social media promotions. The warning comes as financial cyber fraud cases continue to rise across the state, with fraudsters deploying increasingly sophisticated technology to trap unsuspecting investors.
How the Scam Operates
According to V.K. Singh, Additional Director General of Police (Cyber Crime), Rajasthan, cybercriminals are weaponising artificial intelligence and deepfake tools to fabricate convincing videos of well-known investors, industrialists, and celebrities. These doctored videos are then seeded across social media platforms to lend false credibility to fraudulent investment schemes.
The fraudsters run targeted advertisements on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram. Once a user clicks on such an advertisement, they are funnelled into WhatsApp or Telegram groups bearing names such as 'Elite Investment Group' or 'Super Trading Club' — most of whose members are fake accounts or bots operated by the fraudsters themselves.
The Trust-Building Playbook
To manufacture credibility, the operators of these groups circulate fabricated screenshots showing profits of several lakh rupees and post fake testimonials attributed to supposed successful investors. Victims are then directed to download a trading application via a suspicious link or an APK file — bypassing official app stores entirely.
Initially, the app displays seemingly real investment gains on its dashboard, creating the illusion of genuine returns. The trap is sprung when a victim attempts to withdraw funds: they are asked to deposit additional money under the guise of taxes, commissions, processing fees, or other charges. Once the payments are made, the fraudsters vanish, leaving victims with substantial financial losses.
Key Precautions Advised by Police
The Rajasthan Police Cyber Crime Branch has urged citizens to follow a set of specific precautions. These include downloading applications only from official stores such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and never installing apps via APK files or links from unknown sources. Before committing any funds, citizens are advised to verify a company's registration with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and avoid transferring money to private individuals or unverified bank accounts.
Police also recommend restricting WhatsApp and Telegram group privacy settings to 'My Contacts' to reduce exposure to unsolicited group additions. Independently verifying every investment opportunity before investing is stressed as essential.
Where to Report Cyber Fraud
Anyone who falls victim to such schemes is urged to report the incident immediately through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or by calling the national cyber helpline at 1930. Citizens in Rajasthan can also reach the Rajasthan Police Cyber Helpdesk at 9256001930 and 9257510100. Authorities have emphasised that prompt reporting significantly improves the chances of tracing and recovering lost funds.
With AI-powered fraud evolving rapidly, officials stress that vigilance and independent verification remain the most reliable defences against financial cyber crime.
Point of View
Low-cost production that outpaces most citizens' ability to detect manipulation. What this advisory does not address is the upstream problem: platforms like Facebook and YouTube continue to carry these fraudulent advertisements despite existing policies against them. Until platform-level enforcement catches up with advisory-level awareness, the burden of detection remains almost entirely on the potential victim — a structurally unfair and inadequate defence.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rajasthan Police cyber advisory about?
The Rajasthan Police Cyber Crime Branch issued an advisory on 12 June warning citizens about financial fraud schemes that use AI-generated deepfake videos, fake stock market trading apps, and misleading social media advertisements to steal money. The advisory details how the scam works and lists steps citizens can take to protect themselves.
How do AI deepfake investment scams work?
Fraudsters create fake videos of well-known investors or celebrities using deepfake technology and circulate them on social media to promote bogus investment schemes. Victims are added to WhatsApp or Telegram groups, shown fabricated profit screenshots, and persuaded to download a fake trading app. When they try to withdraw money, they are asked to pay additional charges — after which the fraudsters disappear.
How can I verify if an investment app or company is legitimate?
Check whether the company is registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) before investing any money. Download apps only from official stores — the Google Play Store or Apple App Store — and never install apps via APK files or links sent by unknown contacts.
Where should I report a cyber fraud in Rajasthan?
Report the fraud immediately on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or call the national cyber helpline at 1930. In Rajasthan, you can also contact the Rajasthan Police Cyber Helpdesk at 9256001930 or 9257510100.
Why are WhatsApp and Telegram group settings important for fraud prevention?
Rajasthan Police advise restricting WhatsApp and Telegram group privacy settings to 'My Contacts' so that unknown fraudsters cannot add you to fake investment groups without your knowledge. Most members of these groups are bots or fake accounts designed to simulate a thriving investor community.
