India Ranked Second in Global Cyber Scam Targets, Meta Report Reveals

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India Emerges as Second Most Targeted Nation in Global Cyber Scams

A recent report from Meta has highlighted the alarming rise of cyber scams targeting India, with the country emerging as the second most targeted nation globally, after the United States.

The Growing Sophistication of Online Fraud

The report sheds light on the growing sophistication of online fraud, leveraging advanced technologies and social media platforms to deceive Indian users.

The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) by cybercriminals has been identified as a key factor in the surge of scams. AI-powered tools are being used to create convincing phishing messages, fake social media profiles, and sophisticated fraudulent websites. Additionally, deepfake content is being used to impersonate individuals, making it increasingly difficult for users to distinguish between genuine and manipulated digital content.

Modern Cybercrime Groups

Modern cybercrime groups have evolved into highly structured organisations, operating like professional enterprises. These networks systematically identify potential victims through digital platforms, build trust using fake identities or impersonation, and execute scams at scale across countries.

India’s large English-speaking population and growing internet user base make it a prime target for international fraud syndicates.

AI-Enabled Abuse

The report also highlights the rising concern of AI-enabled abuse, including the use of “nudify” apps to generate non-consensual explicit images and deepfake videos for extortion and harassment. Synthetic identities are also being used in financial fraud, posing a serious threat to privacy, dignity, and online safety, particularly for women and vulnerable users.

New Scam Formats

New scam formats have been identified, including fake rental listings targeting financially distressed individuals, “digital arrest” scams involving impersonation of law enforcement, and fake livestream scams exploiting grieving families. These scams rely on emotional manipulation and urgency, making victims more likely to comply.

Experts have emphasized the need for stronger legal frameworks to address AI-driven cybercrime, faster takedown mechanisms for harmful content, and increased digital literacy among users. The report underscores that technological solutions alone are insufficient, and user awareness remains a critical defence against cyber fraud.

Conclusion

As cybercriminals become more organised and technologically advanced, the findings serve as a warning that India’s digital growth must be matched with equally robust cybersecurity measures. The country’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem requires stronger safeguards to prevent the growing scale and sophistication of online fraud.