A new report from cybersecurity firm McAfee reveals the frightening extent to which deepfakes are fueling scams across India, highlighting how cybercriminals are weaponizing celebrity identities to defraud millions. The firm's annual “Most Dangerous Celebrity: Deepfake Deception List” underscores a critical erosion of digital trust, as criminals exploit the likenesses of beloved stars to push phishing links, fake giveaways, and illicit money transfers.

The Cost of Trust: ₹34,000 Lost Per Victim

The survey findings are alarming, suggesting that the vast majority of Indians—nearly 90 per cent—have encountered fake or AI-generated celebrity endorsements this year alone. More critically, the scams are working: victims in India are reportedly losing an average of ₹34,000 to these sophisticated acts of financial fraud.

McAfee's data indicates that cybercriminals are specifically targeting the emotional trust and parasocial relationships that fans form with public figures. By cloning voices, faces, and mannerisms with frighteningly realistic AI technology, scammers bypass conventional security measures, effectively "hacking human trust" rather than digital systems.

SRK Leads the Most Exploited List in India

The report confirms that Bollywood's biggest names are the primary targets of these exploitation schemes. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan tops the list in India as the most frequently exploited celebrity whose likeness is used in deepfake scams.

He is followed closely by:

• Alia Bhatt

• Elon Musk (a global figure whose name is often associated with fake crypto/investment schemes)

• Priyanka Chopra Jonas

• Cristiano Ronaldo

Globally, the list features other high-profile targets such as Taylor Swift (who ranked number one globally in 2025), Lionel Messi, and members of the Korean band BTS. These celebrities are victims whose fame is being hijacked to direct unsuspecting fans toward scam websites, malicious downloads, and fraudulent investment platforms.

The Mechanics of the Deepfake Scam

Scammers operate by creating believable, AI-generated deepfakes that appear to show the celebrity personally endorsing a product, offering a limited-time giveaway, or promoting a "guaranteed" investment opportunity. These fake endorsements leverage the celebrity’s credibility to lower the victim’s guard.

Once the victim clicks the link, they are funneled into a social engineering scam designed to extract money or sensitive personal data. This includes:

• Fake Giveaways requiring a small "processing fee."

• Phishing Sites designed to steal login credentials.

• Bogus Investment Schemes (like fake crypto platforms) where victims transfer large sums for non-existent returns.

Protection in a World Where Seeing Isn't Believing

The proliferation of deepfakes comes at a time when digital engagement is soaring in India, making the risk more acute. Cybersecurity experts stress that consumers must adopt extreme skepticism whenever they see an endorsement that promises quick riches or seems "too good to be true."

Protecting yourself requires awareness and caution:

• Verify the Source: Always check the celebrity's verified social media account (look for the blue checkmark) to confirm the authenticity of any endorsement or giveaway.

• Be Skeptical of Urgency: Deepfake scams often create a sense of panic or urgency (e.g., "limited time offer") to rush the victim into a decision.

• Look for Inconsistencies: Watch videos for tell-tale signs of manipulation, such as slightly off-sync lip movements, robotic voice tones, or inconsistent lighting.

As the line between real and fake content continues to blur, reliable digital protection and heightened public awareness are becoming the most critical tools in the fight against this evolving form of cybercrime.
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