AI-generated scams in India

In 2023, about 13% of scams analyzed by Singapore's Cyber Security Agency were likely AI-generated, marking a notable shift in sophistication despite a decline in phishing scams by 52%. Meanwhile, a woman in Kerala lost Rs 9.3 lakh after being deceived by a fake banking app that mimicked her bank's official app. Southeast Asian governments, including Malaysia and Singapore, are implementing measures to combat online scams, such as licensing social media platforms and requiring them to verify seller identities. The cyber scam industry has proliferated in Southeast Asia, with criminal networks, particularly from China, reportedly robbing $64 billion annually while using forced labor. Workers trapped in these scams often endure harsh conditions, with some attempting to escape as the political climate in Myanmar worsens. These developments highlight a growing trend of cyber fraud and the urgent need for effective regulatory frameworks.