International Student Targeted in Elaborate Social Media Scam
A 24-year-old Sri Lankan graduate student in Bengaluru has become the latest victim of a sophisticated cyber blackmail scheme that cost him Rs 36,000 and left him fearing for his reputation. The case highlights growing concerns about online safety and the use of artificial intelligence in digital crimes.
The Dangerous Instagram Connection
The ordeal began when the student, identified as Ravindu (name changed), received a follow request on Instagram from an account named 'deepika22822'. Living in Palace Guttahalli and pursuing his studies in the city, Ravindu accepted the request and began exchanging messages with the person behind the account.
According to the complaint filed with the Central cybercrime police on Monday, the conversation quickly moved to WhatsApp using the number 7877282579. The individual claiming to be Deepika engaged Ravindu in video calls, during which the fraudsters secretly recorded him in compromising positions without his knowledge or consent.
The Blackmail Threats Begin
Soon after obtaining the sensitive footage, the scammers revealed their true intentions. They began blackmailing Ravindu, demanding money in exchange for deleting the nude photos and videos. The threats were particularly vicious - the fraudsters warned they would distribute the content to his family members, relatives, and friends if he didn't comply with their demands.
Fearing the consequences and potential damage to his reputation, Ravindu initially transferred Rs 36,000 to a UPI ID provided by the criminals. However, the payments didn't stop the harassment, as the fraudsters continued to demand more money, leading the student to finally approach the police.
Police Investigation and AI Suspicions
A senior police officer confirmed that a case has been registered under the Information Technology Act, and investigators are working to trace the perpetrators. What makes this case particularly concerning is the police suspicion that the scammers may have used artificial intelligence technology to impersonate a woman during their interactions with Ravindu.
This revelation points to an evolving threat landscape where criminals are leveraging advanced technology to create more convincing scams. The use of AI in such frauds makes it increasingly difficult for victims to distinguish between genuine interactions and criminal setups.
The Bengaluru cybercrime unit has intensified efforts to track down the fraudsters, but the case serves as a stark warning about the dangers of interacting with strangers on social media platforms.
