AI-Generated Deepfake Used in Bengaluru Sextortion Scam
A 26-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru was reportedly tricked by scammers using an AI-generated profile and deepfake video on a dating app and extorted ₹1.53 lakh through sextortion threats. Police are investigating after the victim filed a complaint when demands continued despite payment.
What happened
A 26-year-old Bengaluru software professional created a profile on a dating app on January 5, 2026, and was approached by a woman identifying herself as Ishani. After moving conversations to WhatsApp, the woman video called him, appeared nude, and recorded him without consent after persuading him to undress.
Police preliminary investigations revealed the woman's profile was AI-generated and the nude appearance during the video call was created using artificial intelligence. The scammers used the explicit video to threaten the victim with public circulation among friends and family and social media posting unless he paid money.
Reported impact
The victim transferred ₹60,000 initially and then ₹93,000 from his friend's account in multiple transactions via UPI and bank transfer, totaling ₹1.53 lakh, before approaching police when demands continued.
Index analysis
The incident involved generative AI used to create a fraudulent dating profile and deepfake nude video as part of a coordinated sextortion scheme targeting a software professional.
Governance controls
Cybercrime police are tracing the bank accounts and digital footprints linked to the fraud. A case was registered under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and Section 308 (extortion) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.