New Delhi.
As digital transactions and online connectivity reach every corner of India, cybercriminals are increasingly turning to generative artificial intelligence (AI) to craft sophisticated scams. To shield citizens from this new wave of high-tech fraud, the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), in collaboration with public agencies and key industry leaders, has officially launched “Be Cyber Street Smart”.
Inaugurated at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) during Cyber Security Awareness Month 2026, the month-long initiative bridges traditional Indian art forms with modern digital safety education to build everyday resilience against online threats.
What Is the ‘Be Cyber Street Smart’ Campaign?
The Be Cyber Street Smart campaign is a nationwide awareness drive designed to translate complex technical cyber threats into simple, actionable habits for everyday mobile and internet users.
Speaking on the initiative, Vinayak Godse, CEO of DSCI, highlighted that while digital adoption has transformed transacting and communicating, adversaries are now leveraging AI to make fraud faster, highly convincing, and difficult to detect. The campaign focuses on end-user awareness as the primary line of defense.
Creative & Culturally Rooted Outreach
To make cyber safety concepts memorable across diverse demographics, the campaign reimagines Kathputli—India’s traditional string-puppet storytelling art. Key campaign deliverables include:
- Cyber Kathas & Puppetry: Culturally intuitive stories decoding AI fraud.
- Cyber Pathshala ki Kitaab: Accessible educational modules for schools, families, and local communities.
- Poster Chaupal & Screensavers Manch: Digital assets deployed across public screens, corporate networks, and educational campuses.
- Official Cyber Anthem: Launched during the ceremonial “Ring the Bell” event at BSE to rally public participation.
Emerging AI Cyber Threats Covered by the Campaign
The campaign focuses directly on four major categories of modern digital fraud affecting smartphones, online banking, and social platforms:
+———————————————————————–+
| KEY AI THREATS ADDRESSED |
+———————————–+———————————–+
| 1. AI Voice-Cloning Scams | Replicating relative/boss voices |
| 2. Real-Time Deepfakes | Manipulated audio/video on calls |
| 3. Digital Arrest Scams | Fake law enforcement video calls |
| 4. Malicious APK Downloads | Unofficial app installs & malware |
+———————————–+———————————–+
- AI Voice-Cloning Fraud: Criminals harvest public audio clips from social media and use AI generators to clone the exact voice of a family member or supervisor, fabricating emergency distress calls to demand money.
- Real-Time Video Deepfakes: Manipulated video streams used in messaging apps or video calls to mimic acquaintances, corporate officers, or officials.
- Digital Arrest Scams: Fraudsters pose as police, CBI, or customs officials via video call, falsely claiming the victim’s identity is linked to illegal packages or financial crimes, and coercing them into transferring funds under threat of immediate “arrest”.
- Malicious APK Files: Deceptive Android package files (.apk) distributed via SMS, WhatsApp, or third-party web links that install spyware to steal OTPs, banking credentials, and contact lists.
Practical Safety Checklist for Citizens
| Scam Type | Red Flag Signal | Immediate Countermeasure |
| Voice Cloning | Panicked distress call from a relative demanding urgent money transfer. | Pause & Hang Up. Call the relative back on their known mobile number. Ask for a secret “Family Code Word”. |
| Video Deepfake | Glitchy visual borders around the face or unnatural blinking on a video call. | The Hand-Wave Test: Ask the caller to wave their hand across their face. AI deepfake filters often distort when objects cross the face. |
| Digital Arrest Call | Caller claiming to be police/CBI conducting a video trial or demanding money to clear charges. | Disconnect Immediately. Indian law enforcement agencies never conduct arrests or negotiate settlements over video calls. |
| Malicious APK | Prompt to download an update or utility app from a web link or chat attachment. | Never install apps outside official app stores (Google Play Store / Apple App Store). |
Multi-Sector Support and Government Backing
The campaign brings together a broad coalition of government agencies and private industry leaders:
- Government Agencies: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre () under the Ministry of Home Affairs, CERT-In, and the Government of Maharashtra.
- Financial & Corporate Sector: Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Punjab National Bank, PayPal, CRED, IIFL Finance, Thales, Veeam, and leading tech platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What should I do if I fall victim to an AI voice-cloning or financial cyber scam?
Act within the “Golden Hour” (the first 60 minutes after money is lost). Immediately call the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or log a complaint on the official portal at cybercrime.gov.in. Reporting quickly increases the chances of freezing the stolen funds in bank accounts.
Q2: What is the “Family Code Word” defense against voice cloning?
Agree on a secret word or phrase with your family members. If you receive an emergency call claiming to be a loved one in distress asking for money, ask them for the code word. An AI voice-cloning bot will not know your private family secret.
Q3: Do Indian police or customs authorities make “Digital Arrests” over video calls?
No. Indian law enforcement agencies do not conduct judicial proceedings, declare arrests, or demand financial settlements over WhatsApp, Skype, or video calls. Any such call is a scam.
Useful Resources
To explore more insights Bharat Kaalvrutt:
Disclaimer
This article is intended solely for educational and public awareness purposes. Cyber safety guidelines and reporting procedures reflect public advisories released by the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and government cyber authorities. If you suspect financial fraud, contact your banking provider and the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) immediately.
