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Cyber Fraudsters Used AI, Fake Minister’s Voice To Target Karnataka Governor

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Trusting the process, he transferred Rs 12,000. Only later did he realize that no booking had been made. This too has been reported to the Cyber Crime Police Station.

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Cyber Fraudsters Are Now Bold Enough to Chase VIPs, Not Just Common People

Cyber Fraudsters Are Now Bold Enough to Chase VIPs, Not Just Common People

Technology keeps reinventing itself – new phones, laptops, and artificial intelligence models hit the market every day. But while this progress powers lives, it also fuels crime. Cyber fraudsters are quick to adapt, using cutting-edge tools to spin sophisticated traps.

Ordinary citizens are not their only victims anymore; political leaders, film stars, and even judges are finding themselves in the crosshairs.

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Fake Minister, Real Scam Attempt

The most startling recent case unfolded in Bengaluru, where fraudsters tried to deceive Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot. The trick? They impersonated Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The Governor received two calls in which the caller introduced himself as the minister, attempting to win his trust. But once the number was verified, the truth emerged: the call was fake.

Officials in the Governor’s office wasted no time in acting. They filed a formal complaint at the Central Division Cyber Crime Police Station (CCB).

A case has now been registered under Section 66(C) of the Information Technology Act, and investigators are tracing the call digitally to track down the culprits.

A Judge Loses Money Over a Fake Room Booking

While the Governor narrowly escaped being duped, a judge from Punjab was less fortunate. On September 2, the judge contacted a number, reportedly obtained from a police officer to book a room at the Kumarakrupa Guest House in Bengaluru.

Trusting the process, he transferred Rs 12,000. Only later did he realize that no booking had been made. This too has been reported to the Cyber Crime Police Station, and investigations are underway.

These two cases underline a chilling reality: cybercriminals are no longer just aiming at gullible individuals with phishing emails or fake lottery calls. They are confident enough to reach out directly to people in positions of authority, using impersonation as a weapon. Even when money isn’t lost, the attempt itself reveals how audacious and tech-savvy these fraudsters have become.

A Growing Challenge for Law Enforcement

For police and cybercrime wings, the challenge is two-fold: tracing criminals who mask their digital footprints, and building public awareness so that victims, high-profile or otherwise don’t fall for the traps. As AI-driven fraud schemes evolve, even the sharpest eyes can be deceived.

In Bengaluru, these latest incidents are reminders that in today’s hyper-connected world, the line between trust and trickery grows thinner every day. If a Governor and a judge can be targeted, ordinary citizens have every reason to stay vigilant.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More

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