#FactCheck- Viral video of UP Police patrolling on e-rickshaw is AI-generated
Executive Summary
A video is being widely shared on social media showing a police officer driving an e-rickshaw, while two other policemen are seen in the back seat. Users sharing the clip claim that, due to a shortage of petrol, this is a new initiative by the Uttar Pradesh Police. However, research by CyberPeace found the viral claim to be false. Our research also confirms that the video is not real but AI-generated.
Claim
An Instagram user shared the viral video claiming that due to fuel shortages, Uttar Pradesh Police has started patrolling using e-rickshaws.
- Post link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWepKWXAeiE/
- Archive: https://archive.ph/QBNXs
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we first conducted a keyword search on Google but found no credible media reports supporting this claim.
Next, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and performed a reverse image search using Google Lens. During this process, we found the same video uploaded on an Instagram channel on March 28, 2026. The uploader clearly mentioned that the video was created purely for entertainment purposes.
We further analyzed the video using AI detection tools. When scanned with Hive Moderation, the results indicated that the video is approximately 94% AI-generated.
In the next step, we also tested the clip using DeepAI. According to its analysis, the video is about 97% AI-generated.
Conclusion
Our research clearly shows that the viral video is not authentic. It is an AI-generated clip created for entertainment purposes, and the claim that Uttar Pradesh Police has started e-rickshaw patrolling due to petrol shortage is false.
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Executive Summary:
Amid the ongoing tensions and conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, an image of a heavily damaged industrial facility is circulating widely on social media. Several users are sharing the picture claiming that it shows an Iranian water treatment or desalination plant destroyed in a US–Israel attack. Some media reports have also used the same image while reporting on the alleged attack on a freshwater desalination plant in Iran.
However, a research by the CyberPeace found that the claim is misleading. The viral image is not from Iran. It actually shows the aftermath of a drone attack on a warehouse belonging to a US company in Basra, Iraq.
Claim
X user “Shashank Shekhar Jha” shared the image on March 8, 2026, claiming that a freshwater desalination plant in Qeshm, Iran, had been destroyed.
Fact check
To verify the claim, we conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. During the search, we found a report published on March 7, 2026, on the website of Asian News International (ANI). The report stated that Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemned a US attack on a freshwater desalination plant on Qeshm Island, calling it a “blatant and desperate crime.”
The report used the same viral image; however, the caption clearly mentioned that it was a representational image credited to Reuters.
https://www.aninews.in/news/world/middle-east/blatant-and-desperate-crime-irans-fm-condemns-us-attack-on-qeshms-freshwater-desalination-plant-warns-of-grave-consequences20260307212645/
To further confirm the claim, we checked the official X account of Seyed Abbas Araghchi. In a post on March 7, he condemned the alleged attack on the desalination plant in Qeshm and stated that the strike had disrupted water supply to around 30 villages. However, the post did not include any image of the incident.
Conclusion
The viral image being shared as evidence of a US–Israel attack on Iran’s water treatment plant is misleading. The photo actually shows the aftermath of a drone strike on a warehouse belonging to a US company in Basra, Iraq, and has been wrongly linked to the situation in Iran.
Introduction
Considering the development of technology, Voice cloning schemes are one such issue that has recently come to light. Scammers are moving forward with AI, and their methods and plans for deceiving and scamming people have also altered. Deepfake technology creates realistic imitations of a person’s voice that can be used to conduct fraud, dupe a person into giving up crucial information, or even impersonate a person for illegal purposes. We will look at the dangers and risks associated with AI voice cloning frauds, how scammers operate and how one might protect themselves from one.
What is Deepfake?
Artificial intelligence (AI), known as “deepfake,” can produce fake or altered audio, video, and film that pass for the real thing. The words “deep learning” and “fake” are combined to get the name “deep fake”. Deepfake technology creates content with a realistic appearance or sound by analysing and synthesising diverse volumes of data using machine learning algorithms. Con artists employ technology to portray someone doing something that has never been in audio or visual form. The best example is the American President, who used deep voice impersonation technology. Deep voice impersonation technology can be used maliciously, such as in deep voice fraud or disseminating false information. As a result, there is growing concerned about the potential influence of deep fake technology on society and the need for effective tools to detect and mitigate the hazards it may provide.
What exactly are deepfake voice scams?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is sometimes utilised in deepfake speech frauds to create synthetic audio recordings that seem like real people. Con artists can impersonate someone else over the phone and pressure their victims into providing personal information or paying money by using contemporary technology. A con artist may pose as a bank employee, a government official, or a friend or relative by utilising a deep false voice. It aims to earn the victim’s trust and raise the likelihood that they will fall for the hoax by conveying a false sense of familiarity and urgency. Deep fake speech frauds are increasing in frequency as deep fake technology becomes more widely available, more sophisticated, and harder to detect. In order to avoid becoming a victim of such fraud, it is necessary to be aware of the risks and take appropriate measures.
Why do cybercriminals use AI voice deep fake?
In order to mislead users into providing private information, money, or system access, cybercriminals utilise artificial intelligence (AI) speech-deep spoofing technology to claim to be people or entities. Using AI voice-deep fake technology, cybercriminals can create audio recordings that mimic real people or entities, such as CEOs, government officials, or bank employees, and use them to trick victims into taking activities that are advantageous to the criminals. This can involve asking victims for money, disclosing login credentials, or revealing sensitive information. In phishing assaults, where fraudsters create audio recordings that impersonate genuine messages from organisations or people that victims trust, deepfake AI voice technology can also be employed. These audio recordings can trick people into downloading malware, clicking on dangerous links, or giving out personal information. Additionally, false audio evidence can be produced using AI voice-deep fake technology to support false claims or accusations. This is particularly risky regarding legal processes because falsified audio evidence may lead to wrongful convictions or acquittals. Artificial intelligence voice deep fake technology gives con artists a potent tool for tricking and controlling victims. Every organisation and the general population must be informed of this technology’s risk and adopt the appropriate safety measures.
How to spot voice deepfake and avoid them?
Deep fake technology has made it simpler for con artists to edit audio recordings and create phoney voices that exactly mimic real people. As a result, a brand-new scam called the “deep fake voice scam” has surfaced. In order to trick the victim into handing over money or private information, the con artist assumes another person’s identity and uses a fake voice. What are some ways to protect oneself from deepfake voice scams? Here are some guidelines to help you spot them and keep away from them:
- Steer clear of telemarketing calls
- One of the most common tactics used by deep fake voice con artists, who pretend to be bank personnel or government officials, is making unsolicited phone calls.
- Listen closely to the voice
- Anyone who phones you pretending to be someone else should pay special attention to their voice. Are there any peculiar pauses or inflexions in their speech? Something that doesn’t seem right can be a deep voice fraud.
- Verify the caller’s identity
- It’s crucial to verify the caller’s identity in order to avoid falling for a deep false voice scam. You might ask for their name, job title, and employer when in doubt. You can then do some research to be sure they are who they say they are.
- Never divulge confidential information
- No matter who calls, never give out personal information like your Aadhar, bank account information, or passwords over the phone. Any legitimate companies or organisations will never request personal or financial information over the phone; if they do, it’s a warning sign that they’re a scammer.
- Report any suspicious activities
- Inform the appropriate authorities if you think you’ve fallen victim to a deep voice fraud. This may include your bank, credit card company, local police station, or the nearest cyber cell. By reporting the fraud, you could prevent others from being a victim.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the field of AI voice deep fake technology is fast expanding and has huge potential for beneficial and detrimental effects. While deep fake voice technology has the potential to be used for good, such as improving speech recognition systems or making voice assistants sound more realistic, it may also be used for evil, such as deep fake voice frauds and impersonation to fabricate stories. Users must be aware of the hazard and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves as AI voice deep fake technology develops, making it harder to detect and prevent deep fake schemes. Additionally, it is necessary to conduct ongoing research and develop efficient techniques to identify and control the risks related to this technology. We must deploy AI appropriately and ethically to ensure that AI voice-deep fake technology benefits society rather than harming or deceiving it.
Reference
Introduction
AI has transformed the way we look at advanced technologies. As the use of AI is evolving, it also raises a concern about AI-based deepfake scams. Where scammers use AI technologies to create deep fake videos, images and audio to deceive people and commit AI-based crimes. Recently a Kerala man fall victim to such a scam. He received a WhatsApp video call, the scammer impersonated the face of the victim’s known friend using AI-based deep fake technology. There is a need for awareness and vigilance to safeguard ourselves from such incidents.
Unveiling the Kerala deep fake video call Scam
The man in Kerala received a WhatsApp video call from a person claiming to be his former colleague in Andhra Pradesh. In actuality, he was the scammer. He asked for help of 40,000 rupees from the Kerala man via google pay. Scammer to gain the trust even mentioned some common friends with the victim. The scammer said that he is at the Dubai airport and urgently need the money for the medical emergency of his sister.
As AI is capable of analysing and processing data such as facial images, videos, and audio creating a realistic deep fake of the same which closely resembles as real one. In the Kerala Deepfake video call scam the scammer made a video call that featured a convincingly similar facial appearance and voice as same to the victim’s colleague which the scammer was impersonating. The Kerala man believing that he was genuinely communicating with his colleague, transferred the money without hesitation. The Kerala man then called his former colleague on the number he had saved earlier in his contact list, and his former colleague said that he has not called him. Kerala man realised that he had been cheated by a scammer, who has used AI-based deep-fake technology to impersonate his former colleague.
Recognising Deepfake Red Flags
Deepfake-based scams are on the rise, as they pose challenges that really make it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fabricated audio, videos and images. Deepfake technology is capable of creating entirely fictional photos and videos from scratch. In fact, audio can be deepfaked too, to create “voice clones” of anyone.
However, there are some red flags which can indicate the authenticity of the content:
- Video quality- Deepfake videos often have compromised or poor video quality, and unusual blur resolution, which might pose a question to its genuineness.
- Looping videos: Deepfake videos often loop or unusually freeze or where the footage repeats itself, indicating that the video content might be fabricated.
- Verify Separately: Whenever you receive requests for such as financial help, verify the situation by directly contacting the person through a separate channel such as a phone call on his primary contact number.
- Be vigilant: Scammers often possess a sense of urgency leading to giving no time to the victim to think upon it and deceiving them by making a quick decision. So be vigilant and cautious when receiving and entertaining such a sudden emergency which demands financial support from you on an urgent basis.
- Report suspicious activity: If you encounter such activities on your social media accounts or through such calls report it to the platform or to the relevant authority.
Conclusion
The advanced nature of AI deepfake technology has introduced challenges in combatting such AI-based cyber crimes. The Kerala man’s case of falling victim to an AI-based deepfake video call and losing Rs 40,000 serves as an alarming need to remain extra vigilant and cautious in the digital age. So in the reported incident where Kerala man received a call from a person appearing as his former colleague but in actuality, he was a scammer and tricking the victim by using AI-based deepfake technology. By being aware of such types of rising scams and following precautionary measures we can protect ourselves from falling victim to such AI-based cyber crimes. And stay protected from such malicious scammers who exploit these technologies for their financial gain. Stay cautious and safe in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
