No calls, no OTP requests! This AI scam can change your Aadhaar details without you realising
A new AI-linked Aadhaar fraud has surfaced in Ahmedabad, where scammers changed mobile numbers and used AI to bypass verification systems. Here is how to be safe.
Published By: Divya | Published: May 03, 2026, 08:38 AM (IST) | Edited: May 03, 2026, 08:38 AM (IST)
People are still struggling to understand the nuances of all the cybercrimes; there is now another pattern which is making everyone worry. What's more worrying is that AI is at the heart of it. In Ahmedabad, cybercrime police have uncovered an AI-based fraud where scammers reportedly tampered with Aadhaar-linked data to gain access to banking and digital platforms.
As per a report by TOI, the case started with a simple complaint, but what came out of it shows how quickly scams are evolving. Here's what happened.
Aadhaar-linked scam EXPLAINED
The case came to light when a businessman noticed something unusual as his Aadhaar-linked mobile number had been changed without his knowledge. And for the alert, that one change was enough. This is terrifying because once the number is replaced, scammers can easily receive OTPs which are meant for you. And that's something happened with the businessman.
This gave scammers access to platforms like DigiLocker and even banking services. Not just that, they even reportedly altered KYC details and tried opening accounts in multiple banks. In one instance, a small loan was also taken using the victim's identity.
So the attack didn't start with hacking a bank account. It started with changing one key detail, which is the linked mobile number.
How did AI help the scam?
We all know what AI is capable of, unfortunately, scammers knows too! According to police, the scammer used AI tools to create short "blink" videos from static photos of the victims. These clips were used to mimic real facial movement and bypass systems that rely on liveness detection for verification.
In simple terms, even biometric checks were tricked. This is not the typical phishing scam where someone asks for OTPs. Here, the attackers tried to replicate identity digitally.
And it wasn't just a random scam, it was all planned and organised. Investigations suggest that the group worked in coordination, with different roles. Some sourced personal data like Aadhaar details and photos, others used Aadhaar update kits to change mobile numbers, whille another part handled AI-based manipulation,
These Aadhaar update kits were reportedly used through Common Service Centres (CSCs) to make unauthorised changes. Once access was gained, the attackers moved across platforms, from identity documents to banking systems.
Why is this more concerning than previous scams?
So far, Digital Arrest scams have been around, which were concerning people. While the usual phishing, or calling on behalf of someone and extracting OTP from you, have been some common scams. But what makes this case stand out is how layered it is.
Now, this fraud is more about data manipulation, identity cloning, and AI-generated verification bypass. This reduces the need to directly interact with the victim. And that makes detection harder.
What all should you do?
There's no need to panic, but there is a need to be alert. A few simple checks can help:
- Verify your Aadhaar-linked mobile number regularly
- Make sure to monitor bank and DigiLocker activity
- Always be cautious about where your personal data is shared
- Most importantly, avoid uploading documents on unknown platforms
If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately. You can call 1930 or use the official cybercrime portal.
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