In Punjab, Indian police have uncovered a cyber scam where women were targeted for financial fraud by a gang using advanced voice-changing software and fake social media profiles. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the case, as they impersonated women online to gain the trust of their victims. Once trust was established, they would threaten victims with AI-generated compromising videos, extorting money by exploiting their fears.

The investigation began after a complaint was lodged by the father of one victim, who reported a scam worth approximately 310,000 rupees. According to reports from the Punjab DGP, Gaurav Yadav, the gang's modus operandi involved creating fake social media profiles to connect with women, where they would falsely present themselves as trustworthy individuals. The ingenious use of voice-changing technology enabled them to maintain this deception effectively.

The gang was led by Akash Bhargav, who was identified during the investigation that spanned from 2023 to 2025, focusing on various victims, particularly women residing abroad. The case highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercrime and raises critical questions about online safety, especially for vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and protective measures against such scams.