The world of crime is constantly evolving, and criminals are always finding new ways to exploit technology for their nefarious activities. In a chilling new trend, cyber crooks in Gujarat, India, have turned to using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to carry out cyber kidnappings. This disturbing tactic involves perpetrators calling victims and using AI to mimic the voice of a loved one to extort money from frightened parents.
Picture the horror of receiving a phone call where a stranger claims that your child or relative is in grave danger. These criminals spin tales of abduction, murder, or even rape to manipulate the emotions of their victims. The demand is simple: pay up or face dire consequences. The cyber crooks pose as police officials to add authenticity to their claims, further terrifying the unsuspecting parents.
What makes this tactic even more alarming is the use of AI to replicate the voice of the victim’s loved one. It’s a soulless machine manipulating the emotions of scared parents, making them believe that their child is begging for help. If these frightened parents fall for the trick, they risk losing their savings to these heartless criminals.
The stories emerging from Gujarat paint a terrifying picture of the lengths these cyber kidnappers are willing to go. One woman received a call from someone claiming to be a police inspector, spinning a horrifying tale of her son being embroiled in a rape case. The caller even put a youth on the line who sounded eerily like her son, pleading for help. The caller demanded Rs 5 lakh to release the youth. Thankfully, a vigilant relative discovered the ruse before any money changed hands.
In another case, a professor was targeted by a caller posing as a CBI officer, claiming his son had been arrested. When the professor questioned the caller for more details, he disconnected the call. It turns out that the professor’s son was in college at the time, making it impossible for him to have been arrested. Some parents, unable to reach their children and panicked by the calls, have actually paid the ransom.
This new modus operandi is known as cyber kidnapping. Unlike traditional abductions, no physical kidnapping occurs. Instead, the victims are coerced into paying a ransom quickly before the scheme falls apart. The cyber crooks pose as law enforcement officers and use AI to replicate the voice of the victim’s loved one, adding a layer of authenticity to their demands. They threaten the parents and do not disconnect the call until the ransom is paid, usually ranging between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
While cases of cyber kidnapping have been reported in Delhi and southern states of India in the past, they have now found their way into Gujarat, posing a significant threat to unsuspecting residents. The Cybercell of the CID (crime) has acknowledged this alarming trend and is working to combat it. Authorities advise the public to be cautious, verify calls from law enforcement officials using caller identification apps, and remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to these cyber kidnappings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is cyber kidnapping?
A: Cyber kidnapping is an extortion scheme where criminals use AI tools to manipulate the emotions of victims by mimicking the voice of a loved one. They pose as law enforcement officers and threaten parents into paying a ransom quickly.
Q: How do cyber kidnappers convince their victims?
A: Cyber kidnappers use AI to replicate the voice of the victim’s loved one, creating an illusion of authenticity. They spin horrifying tales of abduction, murder, or rape to manipulate the emotions of their victims.
Q: How much money do cyber kidnappers usually demand?
A: Cyber kidnappers typically demand anything between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh as ransom.
Q: How can I protect myself from cyber kidnappings?
A: To protect yourself from cyber kidnappings, be cautious of unexpected calls claiming your loved one is in danger. Use caller identification apps to verify the authenticity of the calls, and never rush into paying a ransom without proper verification.
Q: Which areas in India have reported cases of cyber kidnapping?
A: Initially reported in Delhi and southern states, cyber kidnapping cases have now emerged in Gujarat, posing a serious threat to residents in the state.
– Artificial Intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. In this article, AI is used to mimic the voice of a loved one to carry out cyber kidnappings.
– Cyber Crooks: Criminals who exploit technology or the internet for illegal activities.
– Extort: To obtain something, usually money, through force or threats.
– Nefarious: Wicked, criminal, or evil in nature.
– Modus Operandi: A particular way or method of operating or doing something. In this article, it refers to the technique used by cyber kidnappers.
– Ransom: A sum of money demanded or paid for the release of a captive or kidnapped person.
– Caller identification apps: Apps that display the caller’s information, such as the caller’s name and phone number, when receiving a phone call.
– Vigilant: Watchful and alert.
– CID: Stands for Criminal Investigation Department, a law enforcement agency that investigates crimes.
Suggested related links:
– FBI – Kidnappings and Missing Persons
– Australian Cyber Security Centre
– Interpol – Cybercrime
– UK National Cyber Security Centre
The source of the article is from the blog aovotice.cz