India Faces Surge in AI-Driven Cyberscams

Meta Platforms has identified India as the second most targeted country for global cyberscams, according to its First Half 2026 Adversarial Threat Report. The findings highlight the growing sophistication of online fraud and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in enabling large-scale scams.

The report notes that English-speaking users in the United States are the most targeted, followed closely by India. Rapid digital adoption, affordable internet, and widespread smartphone usage have made India an attractive market for cybercriminals, who exploit social media, messaging platforms, and phone calls to reach victims.

One of the most concerning trends is the rise of “digital arrest” scams, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials to intimidate individuals into transferring money. These scams often use video calls and official-looking identities to appear credible.

The use of generative AI is further intensifying the threat. Cybercriminals are now creating realistic fake profiles, deepfake videos, and highly personalised messages that mimic human behaviour and cultural nuances. These hyper-personalised attacks make it increasingly difficult for users to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent communications.

Meta also highlighted the global nature of these operations. Many scam networks targeting Indian users are based in Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. These groups frequently shift locations, making enforcement difficult due to jurisdictional challenges and limited cross-border cooperation.

The report also flagged the rise of AI-enabled abuse tools, including applications that generate non-consensual explicit images, raising serious concerns about privacy and digital safety.

In 2025 alone, Meta removed over 10.9 million accounts, 600,000 pages, and 112,000 ad accounts linked to fraudulent activity, underscoring the scale of the issue.

From an analytical perspective, the report signals a shift toward AI-powered cybercrime ecosystems, where automation, personalisation, and global coordination amplify risks. Addressing this challenge will require stronger legal frameworks, enhanced digital literacy, and closer collaboration between governments, platforms, and cybersecurity agencies.

As India’s digital economy continues to grow, ensuring user trust and safety will be critical to sustaining its long-term digital transformation.