Vietnamese Cybercriminals Use AI Deepfakes for Ransom Extortion
Cybercriminals in Vietnam are increasingly using AI-generated deepfake videos as a new method of extortion, moving away from traditional fraud tactics such as phone scams, phishing emails, and romantic deceptions. These cybercriminals exploit personal data obtained from social media platforms and data leaks, then manipulate the images of their victims, placing their faces on explicit videos.
The victims are then coerced into paying large ransoms to prevent the videos from being publicly released or shared with their families, friends, and employers. However, the extortion doesn't always stop after one payment. Often, the criminals demand further payments, trapping their victims in an ongoing cycle of blackmail.
A notable case occurred in March 2024 when a high school girl was threatened with the release of an explicit video featuring her face. The scammers demanded $2,000, forcing her to borrow money from friends and family to pay the ransom. Fortunately, the offenders were eventually apprehended by the police.
The Reluctance to Report Crimes
Despite such cases, many victims are reluctant to report these crimes due to the fear of social humiliation. In Vietnamese culture, losing face is a significant social blow, and many victims are afraid that involving the police would only make their situation worse. This fear allows cybercriminals to continue their operations unchecked, enabling them to expand their reach and refine their methods.
Widening Scope of Victimization
Initially, cybercriminals targeted celebrities and high-profile business figures, but it now appears that the general public is increasingly at risk of being manipulated by these schemes. Authorities are urging individuals to adopt stronger passwords, limit the sharing of personal information online, and report any suspicious activity promptly.
Kaspersky Security director Ngô Tấn Vũ Khanh has emphasized the severe threat that deepfakes pose to society, warning of the risks associated with cybercriminals stealing biometric data and using it to impersonate bank staff to access victims' accounts. He underscored the international nature of the battle against AI-driven deepfake scams.
To combat this rising threat, authorities are stepping up their efforts to educate the public on how to better protect themselves from deepfake fraud, which operates without borders and continues to evolve.
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