Cyber cons use missing boy’s photos to extort family of Rs 1 lakh

Indore: What began as a frantic search for a missing teenager spiralled into a chilling case of AI-driven extortion after cyber fraudsters allegedly used the boy's own photographs, circulated by his parents on WhatsApp, to fabricate a stabbing video and extort Rs 1.02 lakh from the family.The Class 10 student left home for school but was irregular in attending classes in recent days, drawing reprimand from his parents. On the day of the incident, he stepped out in the evening for coaching and did not return. As hours passed by and the boy couldn't be contacted, his family grew anxious.They circulated his photograph and mobile number across WhatsApp groups and social media platforms seeking information, and even lodged a missing complaint at MIG police station the following day.Soon after, the parents received a video call from an international number. The caller, his face partially covered, claimed their son was kidnapped. On screen, a figure who appeared to be the boy, was shown as being attacked with a knife. The caller warned that he would be killed if money was not transferred immediately.Additional DCP Rajesh Dandotiya said the fraudsters sourced the boy's images and his parents' contact details directly from the missing-person messages shared online. Using those photographs, they allegedly created an AI-generated video simulating a violent assault to make the threat appear real. Terrified for their son's life, the parents transferred Rs 1.02 lakh in multiple transactions via a QR code provided by the caller.The plot unravelled a day later when the boy contacted a friend, saying he was at the Sanwaliya Seth temple in Rajasthan. When the information reached the family, they managed to speak to him and realised he was not abducted. He was unaware of any ransom demand or threatening call.The family then approached the Crime Branch.Additional DCP Dandotiya confirmed that the complaint was registered on the 1930 cyber helpline and an investigation is underway. "Preliminary findings indicate that the threatening video call originated from a UK number, while another number linked to the financial trail was traced within India," he said.