AI tools used in surge of cybercrime across India in 2024-2025
A report released in June 2025 documented that cybercriminals across India have increasingly deployed AI tools to execute phishing scams, deepfakes, and website cloning attacks. The report found AI was used in 80 percent of phishing campaigns in 2024, contributing to Rs 22,812 crore in losses that year and Rs 938 crore in the first five months of 2025.
What happened
A report jointly released by GIREM and Tekion titled 'The State of AI-Powered Cybercrime: Threat & Mitigation Report 2025' documented a surge in AI-powered cybercrime across India. Cybercriminals have been using AI tools to craft phishing emails, clone websites, create deepfake-driven scams, and generate malicious mobile apps targeting individuals and corporations.
AI tools were deployed in 80 percent of phishing campaigns. Organised e-crime syndicates including FIN7, which previously targeted the auto industry in the US, have started targeting hospitality chains and restaurants in India using AI.
Reported impact
Rs 22,812 crore ($2.78 billion) was lost to digital frauds in 2024, with most losses triggered by AI frauds. In the first five months of 2025, Rs 938 crore was lost to cybercriminals across Karnataka state alone.
India registered 1.91 million cybercrime complaints in 2024, up from 1.55 million in 2023. Indian users were frequently targeted through imitation dashboards, spoofed brand communications, and malicious mobile apps, with attacks affecting both urban and rural areas.
Index analysis
The report identified phishing emails, identity theft, and cyber slavery as prevalent threats enabled by AI. Cybercriminals leveraged AI to execute faster, more targeted and personalised attacks than previously possible.
Governance controls
The report urged stronger cybersecurity measures, public awareness campaigns, and international cooperation to combat evolving AI-powered threats. Karnataka's director general and inspector general of police M A Saleem stated that awareness must be created to educate society about emerging threats.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.