Hyderabad, 10 October
Telangana TDP Leaders Duped in AI Deepfake Video Call Scam Using Chandrababu Naidu & Devineni Uma Faces
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, several Telangana TDP leaders were tricked through AI deepfake video calls that impersonated Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and senior TDP leader Devineni Uma. The scam, traced back to a youth from Eluru, used advanced technology to extort money and lure party members with false promises of tickets and meetings.
నమస్కారమమ్మా భోంచేసారా లేదా!
చంద్రబాబు నాయుడు ఫేస్తో AI వీడియో కాల్ చేసి డబ్బులు అడిగిన సైబర్ నేరగాళ్లు
దేవినేని ఉమ పీఏ అంటూ ఖమ్మం జిల్లా సత్తుపల్లికి చెందిన కొందరు టీడీపీ నాయకులకు కాల్ చేసి, సార్ వీడియో కాల్ చేస్తానన్న సైబర్ నేరగాడు
కాసేపటికి చంద్రబాబు నాయుడు ఫేస్తో,… https://t.co/vJNNzqZ91r pic.twitter.com/jfBQMV4cDn
— Telugu Scribe (@TeluguScribe) October 10, 2025
How the AI Scam Worked
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The fraudster posed as Devineni Uma’s PA and contacted TDP leaders from Sattupalli, Khammam district, assuring them of a video call.
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Soon, a deepfake video call resembling Devineni Uma was made, requesting financial help for TDP workers’ children. Victims were asked to transfer money via PhonePe accounts, and at least ₹35,000 was sent.
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Later, the scammer promised local body election tickets and arranged another deepfake call mimicking Chandrababu Naidu, convincing leaders of its authenticity.
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To cement credibility, the fraudster invited around 18 TDP leaders to Vijayawada, assuring a meeting with Chandrababu and even covering hotel expenses.
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The con escalated when the scammer demanded ₹10,000 per leader for entry, but suspicions arose after a dispute with hotel staff. Police intervened, and upon contacting the real Devineni Uma, the leaders realized they had been duped.
Why Leaders Fell for the Deepfake Scam
Experts say the realistic AI-generated video calls made it nearly impossible for victims to differentiate between real and fake.
Fearing loss of reputation, many TDP leaders did not file official complaints and returned quietly after the truth was revealed.
Police Investigation
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Police identified the fraudster as a youth from Eluru.
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Cybercrime teams are tracking PhonePe accounts and call records to gather evidence.
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Officials warn that AI deepfake scams are becoming a rising threat in politics and finance, urging citizens and party members to verify all digital communications.
Key Takeaways
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AI deepfake scams are emerging as a major cybercrime risk.
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Political leaders are becoming prime targets due to their influence and trust networks.
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Public awareness and digital literacy are crucial to avoid falling prey to such schemes.