What is the legal action against AI voice cloning fraud in India?

Question

Someone used an AI-cloned version of my son's voice to call me and demand emergency money. I want to know what law covers this and how to get my money back. What I am unsure about is the procedure — where the application goes, what it costs, and how long ai voice cloning fraud matters usually take. A plain explanation of the steps, in order, would help more than a general answer.

MyVakeel Legal Desk · Accepted Answer

The law that applies to ai voice cloning fraud here is Information Technology Act 2000, Section 66C, Information Technology Act 2000, Section 66D, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Section 318 and Indian Evidence Act 1872, Section 65B. The detail below matters, because Information Technology Act 2000, Section 66C draws the line differently depending on what your documents show.

Using a cloned voice or synthetic biometric feature to impersonate a person and extract money is identity theft under Section 66C of the Information Technology Act 2000.

Cheating by personation using a computer resource, including an AI-generated voice call, is punishable under Section 66D of the Information Technology Act 2000 with imprisonment up to three years and a fine of up to one lakh rupees.

The general offence of cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property also applies under Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023.

Call recordings and transaction records must be preserved with a Section 65B certificate under the Indian Evidence Act 1872 so they are admissible as electronic evidence.

Banks are required to act on fraud complaints reported within three working days under RBI's limited liability circular, which can help reverse unauthorised transfers.

What to do next: 1) File a complaint immediately on cybercrime.gov.in or call the 1930 helpline; 2) Preserve the call recording, caller number, and UPI or bank transaction details; 3) Ask your bank in writing to freeze and trace the beneficiary account; 4) Register an FIR at the local police station citing Section 66C and 66D of the IT Act.

If you are unsure whether your facts fall inside Information Technology Act 2000, Section 66C, that is worth checking with an advocate before you commit to a route, because switching later costs time. You can post the details on the MyVakeel forum for a practising advocate to review, or book a paid consultation with a Bar Council verified lawyer in cyber law.