As digital payments become part of everyday life, cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to carry out sophisticated scams.
From fake online stores to AI-generated voices and phishing emails, fraudsters are exploiting technology to trick users into sharing sensitive financial information.
During Digital Payments Awareness Week 2026, the Reserve Bank of India urged consumers to remain alert while making online transactions, promoting the message #ThodaDhyanSe to encourage cautious digital payment practices.
AI-generated fake shopping websites are becoming common, where convincing product images and descriptions lure buyers into paying for goods that do not exist.
Experts advise consumers to shop only on trusted platforms and use secure payment methods such as tokenised card transactions.
Another growing threat is AI-driven deepfake calls that mimic voices of friends, relatives, or officials to create urgency and pressure victims to transfer money.
Users are advised to pause and verify such requests through trusted channels before acting.
Fraudsters are also using AI tools to create realistic invoices, payment requests, and official-looking documents.
Consumers should always confirm payment instructions directly with banks or organisations using verified contact details.
Security experts emphasise enabling multi-factor authentication, monitoring accounts regularly, and avoiding unknown links or attachments in emails or messages.
Authorities also remind citizens that technology alone cannot stop fraud. Staying vigilant, verifying suspicious requests, and reporting incidents immediately through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or the cybercrime portal remain the best ways to protect digital payments.
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