#FactCheck - AI-Generated Image Falsely Shared as ‘Border 2’ Shooting Photo Goes Viral

Introduction

As we navigate the digital realm that offers unlimited opportunities, it also exposes us to potential cyber threats and scams. A recent incident involving a businessman in Pune serves as a stark reminder of this reality. The victim fell prey to a sophisticated online impersonation fraud, where a cunning criminal posed as a high-ranking official from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). This cautionary tale exposes the inner workings of the scam and highlights the critical need for constant vigilance in the virtual world.

Unveiling the scam

It all began with a phone call received by the victim, who lives in Taware Colony, Pune, on September 5, 2023. The caller, who identified himself as "Manish Pande, department head of HPCL," lured the victim by taking advantage of his online search for an LPG agency. With persuasive tactics, the fraudster claimed to be on the lookout for potential partners.

When a Pune man received a call on September 5, 2023. The caller, who introduced himself as “department head of HPCL”, was actually a cunning fraudster. It turns out, the victim had been searching for an LPG agency online, which the fraudster cleverly used to his advantage. In a twisted plot, the fraudster pretended to be looking for potential locations to establish a new LPG cylinder agency in Pune. 

Enthralled by the illusion

The victim fell for the scam, convinced by the mere presence of "HPCL" in the bank account's name. Firstly victim transferred Rs 14,500 online as “registration fees”. Things got worse when, without suspicion, the victim obediently transferred Rs 1,48,200 on September 11 for a so-called "dealership certificate." To add to the charade of legitimacy, the fraudster even sent the victim registration and dealership certificates via email.

Adding to the deception, the fraudster, who had targeted the victim after discovering his online inquiry, requested photos of the victim's property and personal documents, including Aadhaar and PAN cards, educational certificates, and a cancelled cheque. These seemingly legitimate requests only served to reinforce the victim's belief in the scam.

The fraudster said they were looking for a place to allot a new LPG cylinder agency in Pune and would like to see if the victim’s place fits in their criteria. The victim agreed as it was a profitable business opportunity. The fraudster called the victim to “confirm” that his documents have been verified and assured that HPCL would be allotting him an LPG cylinder agency. On September 12, the fraudster again demanded a sum of money, this time for the issuance of an "HPCL license." 

As the victim responded that he did not have the money, the fraudster insisted on an immediate payment of at least 50 per cent of the stipulated amount. So the victim transferred Rs 1,95,200 online. On the following day the 13th of September 2023, the fraudster asked the victim for the remaining amount. The victim said he would arrange the money in a few days. Meanwhile, on the same day, the victim went to the HPCL’s office in the Pune Camp area with the documents he had received through the emails. The HPCL employees confirmed these documents were fake, even though they looked very similar to the originals. The disclosure was a pivotal moment, causing the victim to fully comprehend the magnitude of the deceit and ultimately pursue further measures against the cybercriminal.

Best Practices

• Ensuring Caller Identity- Prioritize confirming the identity of anyone reaching out to you, especially when conducting financial transactions. Hold back from divulging confidential information until you have verified the credibility of the request. 
• Utilize Official Channels- Communicate with businesses or governmental organizations through their verified contact details found on their official websites or trustworthy sources. Avoid solely relying on information gathered from online searches. 
• Maintaining Skepticism with Unsolicited Communication- Exercise caution when approached by unexpected calls or emails, particularly those related to monetary transactions. Beware of manipulative tactics used by scammers to pressure swift decisions.
• Double-Check Information- To ensure accuracy, it is important to validate the information given by the caller on your own. This can be done by double-checking and cross-referencing the details with the official source. If you come across any suspicious activities, do not hesitate to report it to the proper authorities. 
• Report Suspicious Activities- Reporting can aid in conducting investigations and providing assistance to the victim and also preventing similar incidents from occurring.  It is crucially important to promptly report cyber crimes so law enforcement agencies can take appropriate action. A powerful resource available to victims of cybercrime is the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, equipped with a 24x7 helpline number, 1930. This portal serves as a centralized platform for reporting cybercrimes, including financial fraud.

Conclusion

This alarming event serves as a powerful wake-up call to the constant danger posed by online fraud. It is crucial for individuals to remain sceptical, diligently verifying the credibility of unsolicited contacts and steering clear of sharing personal information on the internet. As technology continues to evolve, so do the strategies of cyber criminals, heightening the need for users to stay on guard and knowledgeable in the complex digital world.

References:

• https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/cybercriminal-posing-hindustan-petroleum-official-cheat-pune-man-9081057/
• https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/crime/pune-man-duped-of-rs-3-5-lakh-by-cyber-fraudster-impersonating-hpcl-official-article-106253358

Executive Summary:

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A photoshopped image circulating online suggests Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with militant leader Hafiz Saeed. The actual photograph features PM Modi greeting former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during a surprise diplomatic stopover in Lahore on December 25, 2015.

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The Claim:

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A widely shared image on social media purportedly shows PM Modi meeting Hafiz Saeed, a declared terrorist. The claim implies Modi is hostile towards India or aligned with terrorists.

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Fact Check:

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On our research and reverse image search we found that the Press Information Bureau (PIB) had tweeted about the visit on 25 December 2015, noting that PM Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed by then-Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif in Lahore. The tweet included several images from various angles of the original meeting between Modi and Sharif. On the same day, PM Modi also posted a tweet stating he had spoken with Nawaz Sharif and extended birthday wishes. Additionally, no credible reports of any meeting between Modi and Hafiz Saeed, further validating that the viral image is digitally altered.

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In our further research we found an identical photo, with former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in place of Hafiz Saeed. This post was shared by Hindustan Times on X on 26 December 2015, pointing to the possibility that the viral image has been manipulated.

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Conclusion:

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The viral image claiming to show PM Modi with Hafiz Saeed is digitally manipulated. A reverse image search and official posts from the PIB and PM Modi confirm the original photo was taken during Modi’s visit to Lahore in December 2015, where he met Nawaz Sharif. No credible source supports any meeting between Modi and Hafiz Saeed, clearly proving the image is fake.

• Claim: Debunking the Edited Image Claim of PM Modi with Hafiz Saeed
• Claimed On: Social Media
• Fact Check: False and Misleading

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Introduction

The Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications notified the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024 on 22nd November 2024. These rules were notified to overcome the vulnerabilities that rapid technological advancements pose. The evolving nature of cyber threats has contributed to strengthening and enhancing telecom cyber security. These rules empower the central government to seek traffic data and any other data (other than the content of messages) from service providers.

Background Context

The Telecommunications Act of 2023 was passed by Parliament in December, receiving the President's assent and being published in the official Gazette on December 24, 2023. The act is divided into 11 chapters 62 sections and 3 schedules. The said act has repealed the old legislation viz. Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933. The government has enforced the act in phases. Sections 1, 2, 10-30, 42-44, 46, 47, 50-58, 61, and 62 came into force on June 26, 2024. While, sections 6-8, 48, and 59(b) were notified to be effective from July 05, 2024.

These rules have been notified under the powers granted by Section 22(1) and Section 56(2)(v) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.        

Key Provisions of the Rules

These rules collectively aim to reinforce telecom cyber security and ensure the reliability of telecommunication networks and services. They are as follows:

The Central Government agency authorized by it may request traffic or other data from a telecommunication entity through the Central Government portal to safeguard and ensure telecom cyber security. In addition, the Central Govt. can instruct telecommunication entities to establish the necessary infrastructure and equipment for data collection, processing, and storage from designated points.  

● Obligations Relating To Telecom Cybersecurity:

Telecom entities must adhere to various obligations to prevent cyber security risks. Telecommunication cyber security must not be endangered, and no one is allowed to send messages that could harm it. Misuse of telecommunication equipment such as identifiers, networks, or services is prohibited. Telecommunication entities are also required to comply with directions and standards issued by the Central Govt. and furnish detailed reports of actions taken on the government portal.

● Compulsory Measures To Be Taken By Every Telecommunication Entity:

Telecom entities must adopt and notify the Central Govt. of a telecom cyber security policy to enhance cybersecurity. They have to identify and mitigate risks of security incidents, ensure timely responses, and take appropriate measures to address such incidents and minimize their impact. Periodic telecom cyber security audits must be conducted to assess network resilience against potential threats for telecom entities. They must report security incidents promptly to the Central Govt. and establish facilities like a Security Operations Centre.

● Reporting of Security Incidents:

•  Telecommunication entities must report the detection of security incidents affecting their network or services within six hours.
•  24 hours are provided for submitting detailed information about the incident, including the number of affected users, the duration, geographical scope, the impact on services, and the remedial measures implemented.

The Central Govt. may require the affected entity to provide further information, such as its cyber security policy, or conduct a security audit.

CyberPeace Policy Analysis

The notified rules reflect critical updates from their draft version, including the obligation to report incidents immediately upon awareness.  This ensures greater privacy for consumers while still enabling robust cybersecurity oversight. Importantly, individuals whose telecom identifiers are suspended or disconnected due to security concerns must be given a copy of the order and a chance to appeal, ensuring procedural fairness. The notified rules have removed "traffic data" and "message content" definitions that may lead to operational ambiguities. While the rules establish a solid foundation for protecting telecom networks, they pose significant compliance challenges, particularly for smaller operators who may struggle with costs associated with audits, infrastructure, and reporting requirements.

Conclusion

The Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024 represent a comprehensive approach to securing India’s communication networks against cyber threats. Mandating robust cybersecurity policies, rapid incident reporting, and procedural safeguards allows the rules to balance national security with privacy and fairness. However, addressing implementation challenges through stakeholder collaboration and detailed guidelines will be key to ensuring compliance without overburdening telecom operators. With adaptive execution, these rules have the potential to enhance the resilience of India’s telecom sector and also position the country as a global leader in digital security standards.

References

● Telecommunications Act, 2023 https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:AP:767484b8-4d05-40b3-9c3d-30c5642c3bac

● CyberPeace First Read of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 https://www.cyberpeace.org/resources/blogs/the-government-enforces-key-sections-of-the-telecommunication-act-2023

● Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024

https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/Gazette%20Notification%20of%20Telecommunications%20%28Telecom%20Cyber%20Security%29%20Rules%2C%202024.pdf

● https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031057#:~:text=The%20Telecommunications%20Act%2C%202023%2C%20was,Gazette%20on%20the%20same%20day.

● https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-policy/dot-notifies-cybersecurity-norms-telcos-need-to-share-data-on-demand/articleshow/115577196.cms?from=mdr

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