Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt Top 2025 Deepfake Risk List, McAfee Reveals Average Loss of Rs 34,500 per Victim
McAfee has unveiled its 2025 edition of the ‘Most Dangerous Celebrity: Deepfake Deception List,’ revealing a troubling trend in which cybercriminals exploit the images and voices of public figures to deceive online users. Leading the list is Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, followed closely by actress Alia Bhatt and tech mogul Elon Musk. The report highlights the alarming prevalence of AI-generated deepfakes that promote fraudulent endorsements and scams, with victims reporting significant financial losses.
The McAfee report indicates that a staggering 90% of Indians have encountered fake or AI-generated celebrity endorsements. Those who fell victim to these scams reported an average financial loss of Rs 34,500. This issue extends beyond just well-known actors and global icons; approximately 60% of survey respondents noted encountering deepfake content featuring influencers and digital creators. This trend underscores the rapid proliferation of manipulated media across various online platforms.
India’s vibrant digital landscape plays a crucial role in this growing threat. With 95% of users active on WhatsApp, 94% on YouTube, and 84% on Instagram, the country’s extensive social media engagement makes it a prime target for scams that leverage manipulated celebrity content. The report emphasizes that the ease of creating convincing deepfakes has increased, with scammers now needing as little as three seconds of a person’s voice to fabricate realistic audio.
Top Celebrities Targeted by Scammers
The report lists the top ten celebrities most at risk of being exploited in deepfake scams for 2025. Shah Rukh Khan leads the pack, followed by Alia Bhatt and Elon Musk. Other notable names include Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Cristiano Ronaldo, MrBeast, Lionel Messi, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, and members of BTS. These personalities are frequently used in deceptive promotions for fake skincare products, giveaways, and cryptocurrency schemes, making them prime targets for cybercriminals.
Pratim Mukherjee, Senior Director of Engineering at McAfee, remarked on the evolving nature of cybercrime, stating, “Deepfakes have changed the game for cybercriminals; they’re no longer hacking systems — they’re hacking human trust.” He emphasized that India’s rich celebrity culture and high levels of online engagement amplify the risks associated with deepfake technology. As the line between reality and deception blurs, the need for awareness and reliable protective measures becomes increasingly critical.
Vulnerability Among Younger Users
The findings from McAfee also reveal that younger users are particularly vulnerable to deepfake scams. Among those aged 35-44, 62% admitted to clicking on fake celebrity ads, while 60% of 25-34-year-olds reported similar experiences. In contrast, only 53% of individuals aged 18-24 fell for such scams. Skepticism tends to increase with age, as only 46% of those aged 45-54 and a mere 17% of individuals over 65 reported having been deceived by fake celebrity endorsements. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the threat posed by deepfakes remains a pressing concern, particularly in a country where celebrity culture is deeply ingrained in daily life. The findings underscore the importance of vigilance and education in navigating the complexities of online interactions.
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