Have you downloaded an AI app recently?
Be very careful.
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere now. ChatGPT changed everything. Everyone wants AI features on their phones.
But here’s the problem. Scammers saw this opportunity too.
They’re creating fake AI apps faster than ever. These apps look professional. They make big promises. But they’re designed to rob you.
Let’s understand this growing threat. More importantly, let’s learn how to stay safe.
What Exactly Are Fake AI Apps?
Fake AI apps are fraudulent mobile applications. They pretend to use artificial intelligence technology.
But here’s the truth: There’s no real AI behind them.
These apps are designed with one goal. Extract money from unsuspecting users. Sometimes they steal personal data too.
According to a McAfee report from December 2024, over 60% of AI-related apps in third-party stores are fake. That’s a shocking number, right?
The apps look legitimate. They have professional designs. Some even have fake ratings and reviews.
However, once you download them, problems begin. Your money disappears. Your data gets compromised. The promised features never work.
Common Types of Fake AI Apps Targeting Indians
Let’s break down the categories. Understanding these helps you spot them easily.
1. Fake AI Photo Editing Apps
These apps promise magical photo transformations. AI-powered beauty filters. Professional editing in seconds.
What they actually do:
- Access your entire photo gallery
- Upload photos to unknown servers
- Charge hidden subscription fees (₹399-₹999 weekly)
- Deliver basic filters available elsewhere for free
According to Google Play Store data, apps like “AI Photo Enhancer Pro” had 500,000+ downloads before removal. Most users complained about unauthorized charges.
2. Fake AI Chatbot Applications
After ChatGPT’s success, hundreds of copycat apps appeared. They claim to offer the same features. Some say they’re “better than ChatGPT.”
The reality check:
- They’re just pre-programmed response databases
- No actual AI learning or processing
- Limited responses that repeat constantly
Furthermore, users can’t get refunds easily.
3. Fake AI Investment and Trading Apps
These are the most dangerous categories. Why? Because they promise quick money.
Their typical claims:
- “AI predicts stock movements with 95% accuracy”
- “Earn ₹10,000 daily with our AI algorithm”
- “Guaranteed returns using machine learning”
What actually happens:
You deposit money. The app shows fake profits initially. When you try withdrawing, problems start. Either the app crashes or shows technical errors.
Eventually, both the app and your money disappear.
4. Fake AI Loan Approval Apps
These apps are rising rapidly. They promise instant loan approval using AI assessment.
The scam works like this:
- User downloads the app seeking a quick loan
- App asks for Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details
- Charges “processing fee” (₹500-₹2,000)
- Never delivers any loan
- Sells your data to illegal loan apps
This reveals organized data selling networks. Your information reaches dangerous people.
5. Fake AI Voice and Video Apps
These apps claim to create deepfakes. Change your voice to sound like celebrities. Generate AI videos.
Why they’re dangerous:
- Record your voice without permission
- Capture facial data from selfies
- Can be used for identity theft
- Create fake videos for blackmail
According to CERT-In advisories, deepfake technology misuse is increasing. Fake AI apps contribute significantly to this problem.
How to Identify Fake AI Apps?
Let’s learn the warning signs. Spotting these can save you money and trouble.
- Unrealistic Promises
Genuine AI has limitations. It’s powerful but not magical.
Watch out for claims like:
- “100% accurate predictions”
- “Guaranteed profits daily”
- “Become a millionaire with our AI.”
Real AI companies never make such promises. For example, OpenAI clearly states ChatGPT’s limitations. It can make mistakes. It has knowledge cutoffs.
- Excessive Permissions Requested
Why does an AI photo editor need access to your messages, call logs, contact list, location tracking, and microphone access?
According to Kaspersky security research, fake apps request 3-5 times more permissions than legitimate ones.
Always read permission requests carefully. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
- Suspicious Developer Information
Check who created the app. Legitimate companies provide an official website, contact email and phone and company registration details.
Fake apps show:
- Generic Gmail addresses
- No website or broken links
- “Developer: AI Tech Solutions” (vague names)
- No verifiable company information
- Zero customer support
- Immediate Payment Demands
Legitimate AI services offer free trials. They let you test features before paying.
According to consumer protection guidelines, apps must clearly display exact pricing, subscription terms, cancellation policy and no hidden charges.
Fake apps do the opposite. They:
- Auto-activate paid subscriptions
- Hide charges in fine print
- Make cancellation impossible
- Charge cards without OTP
This indicates fraudulent payment practices. Legitimate apps always require payment authorisation.
- Apps Disappear and Reappear
According to Google Play Store policies, fraudulent apps get removed regularly. But scammers create new versions.
The same app appears with slightly different names:
- AI Photo Pro
- AI Photo Master
- AI Photo Plus
- Photo AI Editor
Same icon. Same features. Different names. This is a major red flag.
Legitimate apps don’t keep changing names. They build brand reputation over time.
Real Fake AI App Scam Cases
According to news reports, there are multiple incidents of people being duped by AI-linked investment schemes and deepfake-promoted apps in India.
1. Mass AI Investment App Fraud
In one widely reported case, over 200 investors across Karnataka lost around ₹2 crore after being lured by an app promoted with AI-generated deepfake videos promising unusually high returns.
The platform showed fake profits and then became unreachable when users tried to withdraw funds.
2. Bengaluru Deepfake Trading Scam: Fake Celebrity Endorsement
In another verified incident in Bengaluru, a woman was reportedly duped of over ₹33 lakh after falling for a deepfake video of a prominent public figure promoting a fake trading platform.
She was shown fabricated profits, but could not make any withdrawals once the fraud became apparent.
How to Protect Yourself From Fake AI Apps?
Follow these simple steps:
- Check Developer Credentials – Research the company thoroughly. Look for official websites and contact information.
- Read Recent Reviews – Don’t trust overall ratings. Check what people said last week.
- Test Free Features First – Never pay upfront. Legitimate AI apps offer trials.
- Verify AI Claims – Real AI companies explain their technology. Fake ones use vague terms.
- Use Official Stores Only – Download from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Never from third-party sites.
Moreover, check if the app has been featured in tech news. Genuine AI innovations get media coverage.
What to do if Online Fraud Happens?
Encountered a suspicious AI app?
Report immediately:
- File a Cyber Crime Complaint: File a complaint with transaction details.
- App Store: Flag the app directly. Use the “Report” option in the Google Play Store or App Store.
- Contact Local Cyber Cell: Visit your nearest police station’s cyber crime division.
- CERT-In: Email with app details and screenshots.
Remember, reporting helps protect others, too.
Need Help?
Have you been scammed by a fake AI app?
You’re not alone. Thousands face this daily.
Feeling overwhelmed by the complaint process?
It’s complicated and confusing.
Don’t know where to start?
We understand.
Register your complaint with us today.
We help victims of fake AI app scams navigate the entire reporting and recovery process.
Our team provides:
- Guidance on filing proper complaints
- Documentation help
- Connecting with the right authorities
- Following up on your case
- Legal assistance references
Don’t suffer in silence. Whether you lost ₹500 or ₹50,000, your case deserves attention.
Register with us today. Let’s fight back against fake AI app scams together.
Conclusion
Fake AI apps are a growing menace in India. They exploit our fascination with new technology. They prey on our desire for quick solutions.
The numbers are alarming: ₹87 crore lost in 2024 alone. Over 2,500 reported complaints in just three months. These figures represent real people, real families, real financial hardship.
If promises sound too good to be true, they are. Real AI has limitations. No technology guarantees perfection or instant wealth.
Check permissions carefully. Why does a photo editor need your messages? Trust your instincts. Verify developers thoroughly.
Research before downloading. Read recent reviews. Test free versions first. Never pay upfront without trial periods.
Stay informed. Stay alert.
Remember: Real AI empowers you. Fake AI exploits you. Know the difference. Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones.
