VC Sajjanar urges citizens to use ‘safe words’ to tackle deepfake scams

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has advised citizens to use a unique ‘safe word’ with trusted contacts to prevent falling victim to AI-based deepfake scams, as cases of impersonation and cyber fraud rise sharply across Telangana

Hyderabad: In a proactive step to raise awareness about the growing threat of AI-driven fraud, Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has urged citizens to adopt a “safe word” as a personal security measure against deepfake scams.

Posting on his X account on Tuesday, Sajjanar cautioned that AI tools were now capable of cloning faces and voices with startling accuracy, enabling fraudsters to impersonate friends, colleagues or even officials. “A ‘safe word’ can be your strongest protection in the age of AI and deepfakes,” his post read.

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He advised citizens to set a unique safe word with family members and trusted contacts and to verify any suspicious calls or messages using it before sharing personal or financial information.

Police officials have reported a surge in cyber complaints involving deepfake impersonations, where scammers use cloned voices and videos to demand urgent transfers of money or sensitive data. “AI can empower or endanger. Awareness makes the difference,” the Commissioner emphasised, urging people to stay alert and informed.

Meanwhile, cybercrime units across the State have intensified digital literacy campaigns to help citizens identify and report such fraudulent activities.