The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has warned of rising online fraud involving deepfake and edited advertisements featuring prominent political leaders. In an advisory issued on October 19, 2026, the Union Home Ministry body said fraudsters were using Facebook and Instagram to promote fake government welfare schemes and cashback offers.

The advisory, issued by I4C’s National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU), said most such advertisements appeared on Meta platforms, with many classified as political advertisements.

“Victims are asked to pay purported fees or taxes to receive the benefits. In some cases, advertisements offer fake cashback rewards through scratch-card or spin-and-win contests, tricking victims into approving UPI collect requests from fraud merchants and transferring money to fraudsters,” said the advisory.

The advertisements feature Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

I4C flags calls from Pakistani numbers

The advisory also warned of fraudulent calls from foreign numbers beginning with +92, Pakistan’s country code. Callers allegedly tell victims they have been randomly selected to receive money.

“If any Public figures or their offices contact you from +92 (Pakistan) numbers, treat such calls with extreme caution and refrain from engaging,” said the advisory.

In one method, victims see social media advertisements featuring a chief minister promoting a welfare scheme. They are asked to call or message a number to register. Fraudsters then claim the victim has been selected for financial benefits and demand an upfront fee. They continue demanding payments under different pretexts after receiving the initial amount.

In another method, victims encounter fake cashback advertisements directing them to pages featuring spin wheels or scratch cards. After displaying a supposed reward, the page redirects victims to a payment portal. Entering bank details or a UPI PIN results in money being transferred to fraudsters.

I4C has urged people to verify welfare schemes through the concerned department’s official website before responding to social media advertisements. It has also advised them to check the purpose and recipient of any fee and verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a government department through official channels. People can visit the concerned office in person if they have doubts.

The advisory cautioned against sharing Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, OTPs or UPI PINs. It also urged people not to trust videos or voice recordings of public officials without verification. Users should carefully check UPI collect requests before approving them, as a UPI PIN authorises payments rather than receiving money.

Victims can report cyber fraud by calling helpline 1930 or visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in.