In a disturbing case highlighting the growing misuse of artificial intelligence, scammers allegedly used AI-powered voice cloning to cheat a schoolteacher in Indore of nearly ₹1 lakh. Police believe this may be the first confirmed case of AI-driven voice-modulation fraud reported in Madhya Pradesh.
Familiar voice used to deceive
The victim, identified as Smita, a middle-aged schoolteacher, received a call on the night of January 6 from an unknown number that closely resembled her cousin’s phone number. Her cousin works with the Uttar Pradesh Police emergency dial service.
According to police, the caller spoke in a voice that sounded exactly like her cousin and claimed that a friend had suffered a heart attack and urgently needed surgery at a private hospital in Indore. Trusting the familiar voice and details, Smita agreed to help.
Money transferred via QR codes
The fraudster sent QR codes and requested immediate payment. Smita transferred ₹97,500 in four transactions — three payments of ₹30,000 and one of ₹7,500. When she tried to call back, the number was blocked.
The next morning, her cousin denied making any such call, prompting her to lodge a complaint at the Lasudia Police Station.
Police confirm AI angle
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajesh Dandotiya said the case strongly points to AI-based voice cloning. “The voice was exactly like her cousin’s. This indicates the use of advanced AI voice modulation technology,” he said.
Low recovery rate raises concern
The case comes amid alarming cybercrime trends in Madhya Pradesh. According to Home Department data tabled in the Vidhan Sabha, citizens lost over ₹1,054 crore to cyber fraud between May 2021 and July 2025. Of this, only ₹1.94 crore — just 0.18% — was recovered.
Police have urged citizens to verify emergency calls independently and avoid transferring money based solely on voice requests, even from known contacts.