- KR Bharat
- 2026-02-23
The Hyderabad Cybercrime Police has issued a public warning about a new AI-based biometric scam targeting citizens’ facial and voice data instead of directly stealing money. Authorities cautioned people to remain vigilant in crowded public places and avoid handling unknown persons’ smartphones.
According to DCP V. Arvind Babu, fraudsters are using sophisticated techniques to secretly capture biometric details such as facial features and voice samples. The scammers reportedly approach unsuspecting individuals in malls, metro stations, and busy markets, pretending to seek help with mobile apps, pension checks, or technical issues.
Police explained that the phone may already be in video call or screen-recording mode with permissions enabled, allowing accomplices to capture the victim’s face and voice within seconds. This data can later be misused for AI-generated impersonation, identity theft, social engineering scams, and even bypassing digital verification systems.
Officials advised citizens not to operate strangers’ phones or look into suspicious video calls. Victims of cyber fraud can contact the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or file complaints through the official cybercrime portal.
