In the race to shine on social media, could your own AI-generated photos be putting you at risk? While artificial intelligence (AI) apps offer fun ways to create superhero-like selfies or futuristic portraits, they may come with hidden dangers. Many users unknowingly allow these apps to store their photos on remote servers, which can later be used by cybercriminals to create fake profiles, deepfake videos, and scam advertisements—all without the user's knowledge or consent.
People often use AI tools to enhance their selfies or create imaginative avatars. But experts warn that many of these apps store your facial data, which scammers later use to build convincing fake identities. These fake identities, powered by your face, can be misused to commit fraud, spread misinformation, or trick others into transferring money.
According to a report by Dainik Bhaskar, a case in Ludhiana involved a fake website created under the name of a real company. Scammers used the MD’s photo and a deepfake video to sell counterfeit products. A customer even sent the MD a video in which the person appeared to be him—although he had never recorded it.
In another case, a young woman edited her own video using an AI filter. Days later, an inappropriate deepfake of her started circulating online. These instances are becoming more common and dangerous as deepfake technology becomes more accessible and believable.
Cybercriminals employ advanced tools like DALL·E and Midjourney to create hyper-realistic images that are hard to distinguish from real ones. These images are then used in the following ways:
Fake Social Media Profiles: AI-generated faces are used to create attractive profiles to lure victims with promises of love, friendship, or business opportunities—commonly known as catfishing.
Corporate Deepfake Scams: Fraudsters impersonate top executives (like CEOs or CFOs) using AI-generated videos or voice clones to deceive employees into transferring funds or investing in fake schemes.
Manipulative Campaigns: AI-generated images and deepfake videos are used in political or commercial campaigns to influence public opinion or trick people into financial transactions.
As deepfakes become increasingly convincing, it’s critical to take proactive steps to protect your digital identity:
Avoid Posting High-Resolution Images: Do not publicly share clear, high-quality selfies or videos that can be used to generate deepfakes.
Use Watermarks: Apply watermarks to personal media to make it harder for scammers to manipulate.
Limit Social Media Visibility: Only allow trusted individuals to view your content. Use privacy settings to restrict unknown users.
Verify Suspicious Contacts: If you receive an unexpected call or message—especially with a familiar voice—always verify with the person through a separate channel.
Analyze for Deepfake Signs: Watch for odd facial movements, unnatural lighting, mismatched lip sync, or blinking inconsistencies in videos.
Stay Updated: Follow cybersecurity news and keep your device's security software up to date.
If you suspect you've been targeted by a cyber scam involving AI-generated content, take action immediately:
Call the national cyber helpline: Dial 1930
File a complaint online: Visit cybercrime.gov.in
The more quickly you act, the better the chances of preventing further damage.
While AI technology offers impressive features for entertainment and creativity, it's important to recognize the cybersecurity risks it carries. By casually uploading photos to AI apps, users may unknowingly open doors to scams, identity theft, or deepfake exploitation. The best defense is awareness—be mindful of what you share online, and always prioritize your digital safety over virtual likes or viral trends.
Stay smart, stay safe—and don’t let your AI selfie become your biggest online threat.
