Google Gemini Nano Banana AI trend exploited for phishing and financial fraud in India
Cybercriminals created fake websites and apps impersonating Google Gemini Nano Banana, a viral AI image trend in India, to phishing scams targeting personal and financial data. An IPS officer publicly warned users that unauthorised platforms used in the trend could enable theft from bank accounts and permanent data loss.
What happened
The Google Gemini Nano Banana AI trend went viral in India, with celebrities and prominent figures sharing AI-altered versions of their pictures online. Cybercriminals exploited the trend by creating fake websites and unauthorised applications claiming to generate Nano Banana-style images to trick users into sharing personal information.
Reported impact
IPS officer V.C. Sajjanar warned that users who clicked malicious links or used unauthorised apps risked cybercriminals gaining access to their bank accounts and stealing money. A scam victim was reportedly targeted after attempting to join the trend, according to a news report screenshot shared by Sajjanar.
Index analysis
The viral nature of the trend created opportunities for phishing attacks, as users eager to participate shared photos and personal details with unverified platforms. Sajjanar emphasised that while trends disappear, data uploaded to unauthorised platforms is extremely difficult to recover.
Governance controls
Sajjanar advised users to prioritise data safety over participation in viral fads and strongly cautioned against sharing photos or personal details with fake websites or unauthorised applications claiming to generate Nano Banana-style images. His warning post was circulated to key government and law enforcement agencies including the Prime Minister's office and the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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