#FactCheck - Old SBI ATM Site Turned Salon Misrepresented in Viral Social Media Claim
Executive Summary
A video is going viral on social media claiming that a salon has been opened inside a State Bank of India (SBI) ATM in Bihar. The video is also being used by some users to take political jibes at the central and state governments led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, the CyberPeace Research Wing’s research has found that this claim is misleading. The location shown in the viral video was earlier an SBI ATM, which had been shut down around six months ago. After the bank discontinued its operations at the site, the ATM machine and other equipment were removed. However, the external structure of the ATM cabin and the SBI signage were not removed at that time. After the premises were vacated, the property owner rented out the space to a salon operator. Since the SBI board and branding were still visible on the structure, the video created confusion and went viral with misleading claims.
Following the circulation of the video, the bank later removed its signage from the location and also cleared all remaining SBI branding from the structure. Our research also found that the bank had removed the ATM machine and equipment months earlier, but the cabin structure and SBI board were left behind. After that, the space was rented out for commercial use as a salon. In this context, it would be incorrect to claim that a salon was opened inside an active SBI ATM.
Claim
A Facebook user ‘Soumitra Roy’ shared a video on 11 May 2026 claiming:
“Someone has opened a barber shop inside an SBI ATM in Bihar. The BJP’s double-engine government has developed Bihar so much that loan EMIs can now be deducted directly inside ATMs. This is Modi’s masterstroke.”
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/980962511535926
- https://perma.cc/WTY2-WEQQ
Fact Check
To verify the viral claim, a keyword search based on the video was conducted. Several media reports were found, which clarified the full context of the incident. A report uploaded on the YouTube channel ‘Live Cities’ on 12 May 2026 stated that a salon was running at a former ATM location in Danapur, Bihar. The bank had already vacated the premises about six months earlier, but its signage had not been removed. The report also includes an interview with the property owner, who confirmed that the bank had removed its ATM machine and equipment six months ago and later the space was rented out to a salon operator.
The viral video was also found on the Jagran website in a news report dated 11 May 2026. The report states that an SBI ATM previously existed at the location. The bank had removed the ATM machine due to operational reasons but left behind the external structure and signage. Later, the space was rented out to a salon operator, who began running his business from the same setup.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral post is misleading. It is incorrect to claim that a salon was opened inside an SBI ATM. The truth is that the bank had shut down the ATM at this location around six months ago and removed all machines and equipment. After that, the premises were rented out to a salon operator, which led to confusion due to the presence of old SBI signage.
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Executive Summary:
In recent times an image showing the President of AIMIM, Asaduddin Owaisi holding a portrait of Hindu deity Lord Rama, has gone viral on different social media platforms. After conducting a reverse image search, CyberPeace Research Team then found that the picture was fake. The screenshot of the Facebook post made by Asaduddin Owaisi in 2018 reveals him holding Ambedkar’s picture. But the photo which has been morphed shows Asaduddin Owaisi holding a picture of Lord Rama with a distorted message gives totally different connotations in the political realm because in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Asaduddin Owaisi is a candidate from Hyderabad. This means there is a need to ensure that before sharing any information one must check it is original in order to eliminate fake news.
Claims:
AIMIM Party leader Asaduddin Owaisi standing with the painting of Hindu god Rama and the caption that reads his interest towards Hindu religion.
Fact Check:
In order to investigate the posts, we ran a reverse search of the image. We identified a photo that was shared on the official Facebook wall of the AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on 7th April 2018.
Comparing the two photos we found that the painting Asaduddin Owaisi is holding is of B.R Ambedkar whereas the viral image is of Lord Rama, and the original photo was posted in the year 2018.
Hence, it was concluded that the viral image was digitally modified to spread false propaganda.
Conclusion:
The photograph of AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi holding up one painting of Lord Rama is fake as it has been morphed. The photo that Asaduddin Owaisi uploaded on a Facebook page on 7 Apr 2018 depicted him holding a picture of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. This photograph was digitally altered and the false captions were written to give an altogether different message of Asaduddin Owaisi. It has even highlighted the necessity of fighting fake news that has spread widely through social media platforms especially during the political realm.
- Claim: AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi was holding a painting of the Hindu god Lord Rama in his hand.
- Claimed on: X (Formerly known as Twitter)
- Fact Check: Fake & Misleading
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Introduction
If we look at the concept of scams, they have existed for as long as human societies have. A few decades ago, it was quite common to see scams being carried out in the form of fake landline calls, forged documents or persuasive salesmen. And ‘trust’, being the fundamental aspect of human interaction, has been at the forefront of such interactions. This ‘trust’ factor has been consistently exploited by nefarious individuals all over the world through various acts of deception and a plethora of fraudulent activities.
As the years have gone by, the very same scamming methods have simply shifted mediums. They have transitioned from the geographies of markets and doorsteps to the virtual world of smartphones and digital devices. The senior citizens of today are sitting at a juncture where they come equipped with the ‘habits’ and ‘understanding’ of the offline world. And this is why in today’s technologically driven and fast paced digital environment, they are being targeted via ‘unfamiliar’ digital mediums and tactics, making them highly susceptible to cyber frauds and online scams.
Back in the simpler days, it wasn’t too difficult to catch the whiff of a scammer. One could pick up on their practiced speech patterns, spot their overly polished and formal tone or their sheepish body language and even notice the minute inconsistencies in their statements. This back-and-forth communication would take place in real time, over phone calls and even face to face.
But the scenario today is worse. Since our reliance on digital devices has expanded at an unparalleled pace, it has become all the more difficult to distinguish between what’s fake and what’s genuine. All of a sudden, our entire essential daily activities have become encompassed in the realm of the digital world, ranging from banking, shopping, healthcare to everyday communication. And to further exacerbate the situation, today’s scammers have quietly adapted to this newfound circumstance, as they hide behind screens.
Fake messages or emails can be easily mistaken for being ‘real’ in the current modern digital age. Especially for senior citizens, this shift is presenting a serious challenge. They are being forced to evaluate authenticity and legitimacy through links, messages and apps that basically all look familiar. For example, the logo in an online correspondence might seem to be genuine or its language might look official and credible. At first glance, even the format or the layout of an email or a message may seem familiar enough to not raise any suspicion. This is the point where the danger lies. When there are no warning signs, no rude tones, no spelling errors and no weird behaviour. It becomes very difficult for people to tell what’s real and what’s a trap, especially for the seniors. And in that brief period of confusion, scammers manage to fool people into divulging personal information, clicking dangerous links or even parting with their hard-earned money.
What makes the senior population so vulnerable?
Trapped in the Convenience of Digital Dependence
As the senior population embraces the new and sophisticated digital tools of today, alongside they are also risking their exposure to the online world of cyber security risks and cyber criminals. New devices such as smartphones and tablets do offer unprecedented convenience but they also come with various underlying dangers. Modern technology has made everyday tasks quite easy. Smartphone based UPI applications, bank applications and even online healthcare platforms have simplified life not just for the elderly, but for everyone across society. But many senior citizens may not be as well versed with the usage of these technologies and the digital risks they carry. They may get influenced easily or they may not exercise the same level of caution as the younger generations (who have literally grown up being surrounded by the dynamics of technology). This ‘familiarity gap’ adds up to the vulnerability of seniors. Without any prior visible warning signs they can easily end up getting exposed to online scams, fraudulent transactions and data misuse.
Cybercriminals’ Goldmine: Cash-rich Seniors
Although a person’s vulnerability towards becoming a target or a victim of a cyber crime is mostly shaped by their circumstance and not by age alone. But still, from the point of view of a cyber criminal, senior citizens do seem to be the perfect victims. Most of them are retired and financially sound with lifetime savings, consistent pensions, accumulated assets and anticipated income streams. As they enjoy their solid financial footing, they may not keep a regular check on their online banking accounts and financial records. This ‘financial ease’ can inadvertently make them more prone to cyber crimes, especially when they are simultaneously getting increasingly dependent on digital tools. This lack of oversight may allow suspicious activities or fraudulent transactions to go unnoticed and sometimes even lead to huge losses of money. This is where digital literacy comes in. Keeping the seniors well informed on the safe usage of the internet can significantly lower their chance of getting intertwined in an online scam. It has therefore become crucial to promote and encourage regular account checks, setting up of alerts and foster awareness regarding common online threats that can help seniors safeguard their hard-earned resources.
India itself witnessed an increase of 86% from the years 2020 to 2022 in cyber crime cases related to senior citizens.
Targeting the Psychological Aspects: Panic, Overwhelm, Manipulation and Isolation
Senior citizens are often at an age and stage in life where their routines slow down and the general pace of life shifts towards a gentler rhythm. Thought processes may not be as swift as they used to be, some may even experience mild cognitive decline and many live alone or away from their children or immediate support systems. Research also shows that aging can lead to low memory function which in turn can increase an individual’s susceptibility to digital traps such as phishing emails and financial abuse. According to a comprehensive analysis of senior fraud victims, it has been noted that victimisation increases with advancing age. There are significant associations between fraud victimisation and human cognitive factors, such as: diminished executive functioning, reduced ability of the brain to process information and even impairments in comprehending complex everyday information.
Cybercriminals, who are aware of these soft spots, deliberately exploit the seniors’ psychological and mental space. They strategically deploy methods that create confusion and cognitive overload. They may create a fictitious scenario depicting some kind of ‘urgency’ and use the elderly’s ‘panic response’ to their advantage. They may create false warnings of a blocked bank account, a missed or delayed medical update or inform them of a sudden (but fake) legal issue. They aim at creating a situation of ‘overwhelm, anxiety and severe distress’. And it is common knowledge that when fear encapsulates an individual, the process of rational decision making deeply gets affected. In this scenario elderly victims often fall for the cyber criminals’ malicious antics and end up complying with them without actually verifying their intent and authenticity.
The senior population of the current times was raised in an era where they were rarely taught to question authoritative figures. This is where ‘manipulation’ steps in. The concept of manipulation thrives on the sense of ‘authority, power, position and trust’. Cyber fraudsters use this mechanism and convincingly impersonate government representatives, senior bank officials, healthcare providers, etc. They may project credibility and legitimacy by using authoritative sounding language, creating a sense of power over the victim and manipulating them.
Another important factor that scammers leverage to their advantage is ‘isolation’. A lot of seniors live alone or just with their spouse, with no immediate support systems nearby. They navigate and tread their daily routines on their own, trying hard to adapt to the dynamic digital world. This life of solitude or isolation leaves them in a vulnerable state. They may not even have someone to talk to, or get a second opinion, or even guidance regarding some suspicious online activity that they may be experiencing. This state of isolation combined with their limited digital competence creates the perfect stance for a cybercriminal to manipulate these individuals.
Understanding this psychological dimension has become critical to prevent cyber crimes amongst the elderly. Proper awareness campaigns, reassurance, encouragement of think-and-verify habits can reduce the occurrence of such scams and protect our senior citizens.
Clickbait Cures, Bogus Health Remedies and Expensive False Hopes
It is a known fact that for most senior citizens, their health ranks highest in the list of their priorities. They are always on the lookout for information regarding treatments, medications, dietary supplements and even wellness programs. In an effort to live a healthy and fuller life in this digital age, unknowingly, senior citizens can become easy targets for cybercriminals.
The internet is flooded with eye-catching headlines, ads and clickbaits that promise quick relief and miracle cures. Their wordings may appear like: ‘miracle joint and arthritis relief’, ‘reverse diabetes in seven days’, ‘secret anti-ageing formulas that doctors won’t divulge’, etc. These promises seem all flashy and shiny, but the reality is generally painful. Elderly people can easily get attracted to such ads. Scammers use reassuring language that instantly appeals to the seniors’ attention and their emotions. They create fake doctor profiles or publish fabricated patient reviews with overly dramatised testimonials and false research. In order to seem authentic, some scammers may even use the names and logos of respectable health institutions and organisations such as the ‘World Health Organisation’. They claim to sell products like miracle pills, teas, devices, virtual health services, etc., all at extremely high prices along with pressure inducing statements such as: ‘offer ends tonight’ or ‘only 20 spots left’.
When the elderly fall for this scam and end up paying the amount, either the promised product doesn’t turn up or it proves to be completely ineffective. In worst case scenarios, it may even harm the user’s health. These bogus health products are not regulated by any health association or authority. They may contain unsafe ingredients, incorrect dosages and other toxic substances that can severely impact the elderly’s health. An adverse reaction can take place or an existing medical condition may worsen. What begins as a hopeful step towards better health can eventually lead to loss of finances, physical harm and a deep sense of disappointment and hurt.
Sharing of card details, Adhaar numbers, insurance and medical reports on fake websites can further lead to identity theft and other dangerous cyber crimes.
Protection starts with simple habits. And here families have a big role to play. Making our senior citizens aware of this scenario is the first step. Education brings along ‘awareness’, and with awareness comes ‘caution and confidence’. Teaching the seniors to be wary of any warning signs, to not share any personal or financial details online and to make sure to consult a doctor first before starting any new treatments, are a few ways that can definitely help in reducing the risk of such scams.
Risky Digital Routines: Overexposure and Oversharing
The senior citizens of today are heavily invested in their daily digital routines. They stay virtually connected through various messaging apps (such as WhatsApp), they eagerly curate and maintain their digital identities on online platforms (such as Instagram and Facebook) and they regularly use emails to share messages, articles and forwards within their social circles. Many of us have seen it in our own family groups, that the seniors are the most enthusiastic lot. They are the first to send in their morning salutation messages, photos and other daily updates. This eagerness reflects both their genuine commitment towards staying in touch and also the pure joy that they derive from being active members of these online communities. It is important to understand that these platforms don’t just serve as mere communication tools for them. Beyond messaging and sharing of updates, these online spaces offer a sense of community, belongingness and self-expression to the elderly.
But these everyday digital routines can cause an overexposure to the virtual world which further creates opportunities for scammers. Clicking on unfamiliar links, downloading unknown softwares and giving quick responses to alerts and notifications (without first identifying the source), are a few examples of how seniors end up getting embroiled in risky situations. At the same time, online oversharing of personal details such as addresses, birthdays, travel plans, family updates, phone numbers, even investment plans, etc., can seem to be quite harmless on the face of it. But all of this information builds a goldmine for the scammers. They may be able to piece it together and use it to send highly convincing phishing emails, create fake online offers or even impersonate a loved one.
Senior citizens also tend to take online messages at face value. AI generated videos, images, false news, etc., are all generally shared under the garb of sensational claims or urgent warnings and are therefore easily assumed to be true, especially by the elderly. They may not even take a minute to factcheck the information and instead may forward it to ten other people in their circle.
The above risks can significantly be reduced by practicing safer digital habits. Seniors should be mindful in their digital usage. Pausing and thinking before clicking on a link, fact checking a piece of news, using strong privacy settings and trusted apps, etc., can help protect both their personal data as well as their digital wellbeing.
Silent Suffering: Shame, Underreporting and Systemic Gaps
Research suggests that senior citizens do not always report a cybercrime. This can be due to shame, self blame, ridicule, fear of being judged as incompetent and a general opinion that even if they report it, nothing will come out of it. They may feel embarrassed about getting deceived, believing that they should have known better. This may create an emotional burden which further amplifies underreporting. Informing their family members or just reaching out for some help can seem like a mammoth task for them.
Existing institutional gaps in our systems compounds this silent suffering. While there are law enforcement and consumer protection agencies in place, but the first step, which is the ‘reporting mechanism’, can seem to be inaccessible or too overbearing for the seniors. These systems may not have a very proactive outreach and can fail to tackle the distinct set of challenges faced by the seniors (such as clear guidance on scams or support for recovering lost funds).
This combination of ‘shame, underreporting and weak system support’ creates a dangerous cycle. Senior citizens are left as open prey, exploited and repeatedly targeted without sufficient help or any recognition for their plight.
The Way Forward
Society has to first acknowledge and identify the inimitable vulnerabilities of the seniors. This cycle can be broken by developing information drives that are specially tailored for the seniors. Moreover, along with family involvement, user friendly reporting channels and stronger protections from fraudulent online practices, seniors can see a ray of hope.
Targeted training programs, senior friendly cybersecurity workshops and courses can be a starting point. Teaching them about password creations, safe browsing tactics, phishing recognition and specific mentor-led sessions can empower them with the basic understanding of the online world.
Being able to navigate the digital world with adequate competence and confidence, and without the fear of exploitation, is ultimately what every senior citizen needs.
References
- https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/why-do-scammers-target-older-adults
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12074955/
- https://cybersecurityasia.net/rise-cyber-crime-targeting-older-adults/
- https://news.ufl.edu/2024/06/older-adults-vulnerable-to-scams/
- https://oklaw.org/resource/why-are-older-people-vulnerable-to-scams
- https://www.crimrxiv.com/pub/g7u4rb9v
- https://www.norc.org/research/library/majority-of-older-adults-experience-cyber-abuse-in-their-lifetim.html
- https://www.sbigeneral.in/blog/cyber-insurance/cyber-tips-and-tricks/how-senior-citizens-can-avoid-internet-scams
Executive Summary: A video circulating on social media claims that retired Lieutenant General P.R. Shankar questioned the capability of newly appointed Army Chief Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, suggesting he may not be able to effectively counter Pakistan or China. The clip further alleges that the appointment involved political influence and favoritism. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be false and misleading. The original video contains no such remarks regarding the new Army Chief or his appointment.
Claim: An X user shared the viral video on June 16, 2026, alleging that Lt Gen P.R. Shankar raised concerns over the appointment of the new Army Chief and questioned his competence in handling threats from Pakistan and China. https://x.com/indiain24hr/status/2066916021982908502 , https://archive.ph/vAnjo
Fact Check: A Google search using relevant keywords did not yield any credible media reports supporting the claim, raising initial doubts about its authenticity. A reverse image search of keyframes from the viral video led to a YouTube livestream uploaded on June 13, 2026. The original video showed Lt Gen P.R. Shankar discussing modern military concepts such as drone warfare, rocket systems, artillery and missile warfare (DRaM Warfare), with no reference to Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth or his appointment.
https://www.youtube.com/live/60JMMlHRmjA
Further verification revealed that Lt Gen P.R. Shankar himself has labelled the circulating clip as fake on his official X account and has stated that a formal complaint has been filed against such manipulated content.
https://x.com/palepurshankar/status/2066826145707024778
Additionally, AI detection analysis using Hive Moderation indicated that the audio in the viral video has a 99% probability of being AI-generated.
Conclusion: The research confirms that the viral video is an AI-generated deepfake. The original video does not contain any remarks about Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth or his appointment. The content has been digitally manipulated and is being circulated with a misleading narrative.
