A 57-year-old woman from Bengaluru lost ₹3.75 crore to fraudsters using a deepfake video of spiritual leader Sadhguru endorsing a fake stock-trading platform. The scam occurred between February 25 and April 23, 2025, exploiting AI-generated celebrity content widely circulated on social media.
The victim, unaware of deepfake technology, was convinced by the video and subsequent fake trading tutorials to invest heavily. Police have registered a complaint and are trying to freeze the fraudsters’ bank accounts, but recovery remains challenging due to delayed reporting.
Sophisticated Deepfake Scam Exploits Trust
The victim, Sneha (name changed), came across a social media reel showing a convincing AI-generated video of Sadhguru promoting stock investments starting at just $250. Believing it to be authentic, she submitted her personal details through the link provided and was contacted by a fraudster named Waleed B, claiming to represent a company called Mirrox.
Added to a WhatsApp group of around 100 members, she attended staged trading sessions over Zoom, where accomplices shared fake profit screenshots and encouraged her to invest. She transferred ₹3.75 crore in multiple instalments to various bank accounts, captivated by the illusion of substantial returns.
Realisation and Police Action
When Sneha attempted to withdraw her funds, the fraudsters demanded unexpected processing fees and taxes. Growing suspicious, she refused further payments, after which the scammers stopped communicating. The Bengaluru police received her complaint nearly five months after the scam ended, complicating recovery efforts.
Authorities are coordinating with banks to freeze suspicious accounts linked to the fraudsters. Meanwhile, Sadhguru had previously sought legal protection in the Delhi High Court against unauthorised AI-generated content misusing his image and voice.
Consumer Safety Amid Rising Deepfake Frauds
Digital experts recommend several precautionary measures to safeguard against scams using AI-driven deepfakes:
- Always verify unsolicited calls, messages, or investment offers independently using official channels.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal information with unverified sources.
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect sensitive accounts.
- Stay updated with fraud alerts from banks and official agencies.
- Educate oneself about deepfake technology and common scam tactics.
- Regularly monitor bank accounts for unusual transactions.
Financial institutions are also urged to implement advanced AI tools to detect fraud and strengthen KYC protocols. Public awareness campaigns and clear legal frameworks are crucial to combat these emerging threats effectively.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This deeply concerning case highlights how cutting-edge AI technologies like deepfakes are being weaponised to deceive trusting individuals, causing severe financial and emotional harm. It underscores the urgent need for increased public awareness about emerging digital threats and stronger regulations to protect citizens.
The Logical Indian advocates for educating users about spotting fake digital content alongside compassionate support for victims.
