#FactCheck : Old Video of Birds Misleadingly Linked to Iran’s Attack on Israel Goes Viral
Executive Summary
Amid the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran, a video is rapidly going viral on social media with Hindi and Urdu captions. The clip shows several vehicles on a road while a large number of black birds can be seen circling in the sky. Users are sharing the video with the claim that it shows thousands of crows hovering over Tel Aviv after an Iranian attack. Some have even described it as a sign of a major impending event.
However, an research by the CyberPeace found the claim to be misleading. The viral video is old and has no connection to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, a keyframe from the video was reverse searched on Yandex. This led to the same video being shared on Reddit on June 13, 2024, where it was described as footage from the US state of Texas. Further searches using the keywords “Crows in Texas” revealed that the same video had been shared on Facebook in April and June 2024. These posts also claimed that the visuals were captured near a supermarket in Texas, where a large number of crows were seening.
While the exact location of the video cannot be independently confirmed, the available evidence clearly establishes that the footage predates the current conflict and is unrelated to any recent events involving Iran or Israel.
Conclusion
The viral video showing a flock of birds in the sky is not linked to any Iranian attack on Israel. It has been available online since 2024 and is being falsely shared in the context of the ongoing conflict.
Related Blogs
Executive Summary:
The rise in cybercrime targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly students and their families, has reached alarming levels. Impersonation scams, where fraudsters pose as Law Enforcement Officers, have become increasingly sophisticated, exploiting fear, urgency, and social stigma. This report delves into recent incidents of ransom scams involving fake CBI officers, highlighting the execution methods, psychological impact on victims, and preventive measures. The goal is to raise public awareness and equip individuals with the knowledge needed to protect themselves from such fraudulent activities.
Introduction:
Cybercriminals are evolving their tactics, with impersonation and social engineering at the forefront. Scams involving fake law enforcement officers have become rampant, preying on the fear of legal repercussions and the desire to protect loved ones. This report examines incidents where scammers impersonated CBI officers to extort money from families of students, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness, verification, and preventive measures.
Case Study:
This case study explains how the scammers impersonate themselves for the money targeting students' families.
Targets receive calls from scammers posing as CBI officers. Mostly the families of students are targeted by the fraudsters using sophisticated impersonation and emotional manipulation tactics. In our case study, the targets received calls from unknown international numbers, falsely claiming that the students, along with their friends, were involved in a fabricated rape case. The parents get calls during school or college hours, a time when it is particularly difficult and chaotic for parents to reach their children, adding to the panic and sense of urgency. The scammers manipulate the parents by stating that, due to the students' clean records, they are not officially arrested but would face severe legal consequences unless a sum of money is paid immediately.
Although in these specific cases, the parents did not pay the money, many parents in our country fall victim to such scams, paying large sums out of fear and desperation to protect their children’s futures. The fear of legal repercussions, social stigma, and the potential damage to the students' reputations, the scammers used high-pressure tactics to force compliance.
These incidents may result in significant financial losses, emotional trauma, and a profound loss of trust in communication channels and authorities. This underscores the urgent need for awareness, verification of authority, and prompt reporting of such scams to prevent further victimisation
Modus Operandi:
- Caller ID Spoofing: The scammer used a unknown number and spoofing techniques to mimic a legitimate law enforcement authority.
- Fear Induction: The fraudster played on the family's fear of social stigma, manipulating them into compliance through emotional blackmail.
Analysis:
Our research found that the unknown international numbers used in these scams are not real but are puppet numbers often used for prank calls and fraudulent activities. This incident also raises concerns about data breaches, as the scammers accurately recited students' details, including names and their parents' information, adding a layer of credibility and increasing the pressure on the victims. These incidents result in significant financial losses, emotional trauma, and a profound loss of trust in communication channels and authorities.
Impact on Victims:
- Financial and Psychological Losses: The family may face substantial financial losses, coupled with emotional and psychological distress.
- Loss of Trust in Authorities: Such scams undermine trust in official communication and law enforcement channels.
- Exploitation of Fear and Urgency: Scammers prey on emotions such as fear, urgency, and social stigma to manipulate victims.
- Sophisticated Impersonation Techniques: Using caller ID spoofing, Virtual/Temporary numbers and impersonation of Law Enforcement Officers adds credibility to the scam.
- Lack of Verification: Victims often do not verify the caller's identity, leading to successful scams.
- Significant Psychological Impact: Beyond financial losses, these scams cause lasting emotional trauma and distrust in institutions.
Recommendations:
- Cross-Verification: Always cross-verify with official sources before acting on such claims. Always contact official numbers listed on trusted Government websites to verify any claims made by callers posing as law enforcement.
- Promote Awareness: Educational institutions should conduct regular awareness programs to help students and families recognize and respond to scams.
- Encourage Prompt Reporting: Reporting such incidents to authorities can help track scammers and prevent future cases. Encourage victims to report incidents promptly to local authorities and cybercrime units.
- Enhance Public Awareness: Continuous public awareness campaigns are essential to educate people about the risks and signs of impersonation scams.
- Educational Outreach: Schools and colleges should include Cybersecurity awareness as part of their curriculum, focusing on identifying and responding to scams.
- Parental Guidance and Support: Parents should be encouraged to discuss online safety and scam tactics with their children regularly, fostering a vigilant mindset.
Conclusion:
The rise of impersonation scams targeting students and their families is a growing concern that demands immediate attention. By raising awareness, encouraging verification of claims, and promoting proactive reporting, we can protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to these manipulative and harmful tactics. It is high time for the authorities, educational institutions, and the public to collaborate in combating these scams and safeguarding our communities. Strengthening data protection measures and enhancing public education on the importance of verifying claims can significantly reduce the impact of these fraudulent schemes and prevent further victimisation.
Introduction
India & Bangladesh have adopted proactive approaches, focusing on advancing cyber capacity building in the region. Bangladeshi and Indian cybersecurity experts have emphasised the importance of continuous technology training to protect the digital space from growing cyber-attacks and threats. They call for greater collaboration to share knowledge and expertise in cyber resilience, network vulnerability, and cyber risk assessment. The Cyber-Maitree 2023 event held in Dhaka aimed to enrich and build capacity to counter cyber-attacks and threats. The senior director of India's Computer Emergency Response Team acknowledged the growing dependence on cyberspace and the need for increased preparedness as critical infrastructures, energy systems, banks, and utilities are connected to the internet. Recently, Bangladesh Cyber Security Summit 2024, organised by Grameenphone, was held in Dhaka on March 5th, 2024. Such collaborative dialogues between the countries serve as a shining example of cooperation between the governments of Bangladesh and India, serving as a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and international cooperation in cyber security.
Cyber Maitree held in 2023
In 2023, India and Bangladesh held 'Cyber Maitree 2023', an initiative hosted by the ICT Division of the Bangladeshi Government, to address cybersecurity challenges in a rapidly globalising world characterised by digitisation. The event, which translates to "Cyber Friendship," was an interface for cybersecurity experts and aspirants from both nations, creating an avenue for extensive training, practical exercises, and a dynamic exchange of information. We need to emphasise the importance of bolstering digital safety as both nations grapple with the rapid digitisation of the world.
India-Bangladesh joint efforts aim to fortify cyber resilience, pinpoint potential network vulnerabilities, bolster rigorous risk assessments, and illuminate the landscape of cyber threats. It encompasses various sectors, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, ICT, and IT-driven human resource expansion. The growing camaraderie between India and Bangladesh has been evident through strategic engagements, such as the India-Bangladesh Startup Bridge and the establishment of 12 High Tech Parks in Bangladesh.
Highlights of the India-Bangladesh MoUs for Cyber Security Cooperation
In 2017, India and Bangladesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on cyber security cooperation.
In 2022, Both nations crafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), highlighting collaboration in spheres such as e-governance, e-public service delivery, research, and development. A separate agreement was also inked focusing on mutual information sharing pertaining to cyber-attacks and incidents. The first MoU aims to provide a framework for training Bangladesh Railway employees at Indian Railways' training institutes, including field visits. The Indian Railways will coordinate with officials from the Ministry of Railways, Government of Bangladesh to improve training facilities in Bangladesh. The second MoU focuses on collaboration in IT systems, for the Bangladesh Railway. The Ministry of Railway, Government of India, will offer IT solutions for passenger ticketing, freight operations, train inquiry systems, asset management digitisation, HR and finance infrastructure. The MoUs aim to strengthen the friendship bond between India and Bangladesh and promote friendly cooperation in the railway sector.
Way Ahead
Zunaid Ahmed Palak, State Minister for Posts, Telecom and ICT, Bangladesh, has announced that Bangladesh and India will collaborate to ensure the safety of the cyber world. The two countries are expected to sign a final agreement within the next three to six months. He stressed the importance of attracting investments in the postal, telecommunication, and IT sectors. He also highlighted the strong ties between Bangladesh and India. He also announced that 12 high-tech parks will be constructed in Bangladesh with an Indian Line of Credit, starting operation by 2025. He further referred to the Indian Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT), and said "We are very much enthusiastic in fighting against the cyber attacks and crimes as the team is now working with us".
Bangladesh Cyber Security Summit 2024
The Bangladesh Cyber Security Summit 2024, organised by Grameenphone, was held in Dhaka on 5th March 2024, focusing on cybersecurity issues and opportunities, fostering collaboration between government, private organisations, industry experts, and sponsors investing in Bangladesh's digital future.
Conclusion
India and Bangladesh share a common vision for a secure digital future, focusing on cybersecurity collaboration to safeguard shared aspirations and empower nations to thrive in the digital age. We must emphasise the need to fortify digital defenses, leveraging expertise, innovation, and collaboration to secure interconnected futures. Collaborative relations in Information and Communication Technology and Cyber Security will strengthen digital defense and establish cyber resilience.
References:
- https://caribbeannewsglobal.com/bangladesh-and-india-call-for-more-cyber-security-training/?amp=1
- https://www.indianewsnetwork.com/en/20231005/bangladesh-and-india-strengthen-ties-through-cyber-maitree-2023
- https://www.bssnews.net/news-flash/150763
- https://digibanglatech.news/english/bangladesh-english/125439/
- https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/LegalTreatiesDoc/BG17B3024.pdf
- https://digibanglatech.news/english/bangladesh-english/125439/
- https://www.tbsnews.net/tech/ict/bangladesh-india-work-together-cyber-security-palak-712182
Executive Summary
A video showing a group of people wearing Muslim caps raising provocative slogans against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is being widely shared on social media. Users sharing the clip claim that the incident took place recently in Uttar Pradesh. However, CyberPeace research found the claim to be false. The probe established that the video is neither recent nor related to Uttar Pradesh. In fact, the footage dates back to 2022 and is from Telangana. The slogans heard in the video were raised during a protest against Goshamahal MLA T. Raja Singh, and the clip is now being circulated with a misleading claim.
Claim
On January 21, 2026, a user on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) shared the video claiming it showed people in Uttar Pradesh chanting slogans such as, “Kaat daalo saalon ko, RSS walon ko” and “Gustakh-e-Nabi ka sar chahiye.” The post suggested that such slogans were being raised openly in Uttar Pradesh despite strict law enforcement. Links to the post and its archive are provided below.
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, CyberPeace research conducted a reverse image search using keyframes from the viral video. The same footage was found on a Facebook account where it had been uploaded on August 26, 2022, indicating that the video is not recent.
Further verification led the team to a report published by news portal OpIndia on August 25, 2022, which featured identical visuals from the viral clip. According to the report, the video showed a protest march organised against BJP MLA T. Raja Singh following his alleged controversial remarks about Prophet Muhammad. The report identified one of the individuals in the video as Kaleem Uddin, who was allegedly heard raising the slogan “Kaat daalo saalon ko,” to which the crowd responded “RSS walon ko.” The slogan was linked to incitement against RSS members.
To confirm the location, the video was examined closely. A shop sign reading “Royal Time House” was visible in the footage. Using Google Street View, the same shop was located in Nalgonda, Telangana, conclusively establishing that the video was filmed there and not in Uttar Pradesh.
Conclusion
CyberPeace research confirmed that the viral video is from 2022 and was recorded in Telangana, not Uttar Pradesh. The clip is being falsely circulated with a misleading claim to give it a communal and political angle.
