Maharashtra Matrimonial Scam: Man Uses AI Voice Cloning…

In a sophisticated matrimonial scam in Maharashtra, a 26-year-old man exploited AI voice cloning technology to deceive a doctor and his father out of Rs. 11.8 lakh. The perpetrator utilized fake profiles and synthetic audio to create an elaborate web of fictional characters, successfully extracting both cash and banking credentials from the victims.

What happened

The accused, Sanket Sachin Chavan, created a fraudulent matrimonial profile for a character named Dr. Sayali Patil, using photos stolen from Instagram to bolster the profile's legitimacy. To further the deception, Chavan employed AI voice cloning technology to impersonate four distinct individuals during phone calls: the supposed doctor, her brother Lokesh, an associate named Manmat Desale, and a retired uncle. By leveraging these multiple synthesized voices, the scammer added layers of credibility to his narrative, which also included false claims of connections to prominent doctors in Nashik.

The victim was persuaded to part with Rs. 11.8 lakh in cash and provide his ATM card, which the scammer subsequently used for unauthorized online purchases and other expenses. Following a complaint filed on August 22, 2024, police initiated an investigation that utilized technical analysis to trace the accused. Law enforcement officials noted that Chavan had previously targeted other professionals, including engineers and NRIs, using similar methods. This incident underscores the evolving nature of matrimonial fraud, where AI-generated audio is now being used to bypass traditional trust barriers, making it imperative for users to verify identities through rigorous, independent channels before sharing financial information.