Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Sebi warns of AI-powered boss impersonation scams
Fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to impersonate top executives of companies.
They send messages or make calls through email, WhatsApp, or other platforms, directing employees to transfer money to fake accounts.
The messages can look and sound very real because of AI tools like voice cloning and deepfake videos.
Sebi, the markets regulator in India, has warned companies about this scam and advised them to be careful.
They should verify any payment instructions by calling the executives directly and not just rely on digital messages.
Companies should also avoid opening suspicious files and report any suspected fraud to the cybercrime helpline.
Fraudsters use AI tools like voice cloning and deepfake videos to impersonate executives.
They send messages or make calls through email, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, and other platforms.
The messages direct employees to transfer funds to fraudulent accounts.
Sebi has warned companies to verify payment instructions by calling executives directly.
Companies should avoid opening suspicious files and report suspected fraud to the cybercrime helpline.
- Who
- Fraudsters impersonating chief executives or managing directors
- What
- AI-powered boss impersonation scams
- When
- Ongoing, with a recent alert issued by Sebi
- Where
- India, targeting listed companies and regulated entities
- Why
- To trick finance teams into transferring funds to fraudulent accounts
Regulatory Caution
Fraudster Tactics
Preventive Measures
Regulatory Caution
Sebi advises companies to verify payment instructions by calling senior officials and avoid transferring funds based solely on digital messages.
Fraudster Tactics
Fraudsters use AI tools like voice cloning and deepfake video calls to impersonate executives and trick finance teams into transferring funds.
Communication Channels
Regulatory Caution
Companies should refrain from installing unverified executable files and log out of unused WhatsApp Web sessions.
Fraudster Tactics
Fraudsters exploit email, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, and other social media platforms to send malicious files and hijack accounts.
Reporting Fraud
Regulatory Caution
Companies are urged to promptly report suspected cyber fraud to the national cybercrime helpline.
Fraudster Tactics
Fraudsters alter contact lists on compromised devices to deceive employees into executing fund transfers.
- Regulator
- Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India)
- Scam Type
- Boss Scam
- Communication Channels
- Email, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, other social media platforms
- AI Tools Used
- Voice cloning, deepfake video calls
- Malicious Files
- Compressed ZIP files containing malware
- Preventive Measures
- Verify payment instructions, avoid transferring funds based on digital messages, refrain from installing unverified files, log out of unused WhatsApp Web sessions, report suspected fraud
