Deepfakes, voice cloning, digital arrests: Not sure what to do when you receive an unknown .apk file? Ask DSP Basil Srinivasan

CHENNAI: A dramatic poster of a 'fictitious' breakup plastered on walls adjoining roads comes with a QR code linked to malware. It's aimed at enticing the nosy into clicking. There's also the WhatsApp video calls from a conman masquerading as a 'police officer' hellbent on carrying out a digital arrest. Creative scammers are leaving no stone unturned to ensnare unsuspecting netizens.

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) says, cybercrimes in Chennai surged in 2024-2025, with more than 1.27 lakh complaints filed in Tamil Nadu in 2024, leading to huge losses (more than 1,600 crore).




Cyber sleuths say criminals increasingly use AI, deepfakes, and voice cloning, targeting seniors and vulnerable citizens with sophisticated phishing techniques.

"Three scams are quite popular: digital arrests, investments scams, and relatives in distress," says deputy superintendent of police (Cyber Crime Wing), Basil Srinivasan, who will be speaking at Rani Meyyammai Towers on Dec 20 for the first session of TOI's #Don'tGetScammed initiative, a series of Cyber Safety Townhalls in collaboration with the Cyber Crime Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police. He says, "I want the audience to openly share problems they face and ask questions they may have. This includes concerns around digital arrest, investment scams, boss scams, or messages from relatives urgently seeking financial aid. Many senior citizens, in particular, keep receiving messages from banks regarding KYC updates, which often causes panic, leading them to press links or buttons without verifying the source. These situations result in serious complications. Through this event, we will be able to address such issues, explain where caution is required, and help understand how to respond safely."

The first session, which will start at 11am, will be anchored by a TOI journalist. The event is open exclusively to residents of the apartment.