The PIB Fact Check team debunked a deepfake video targeting Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The clip falsely shows her endorsing a fraudulent investment scheme promising unrealistic monthly returns.
The video promises ₹20 lakh every month on a ₹22,000 deposit. It has been circulating widely on social media and messaging platforms.
PIB confirmed that the clip is fabricated and warned the public not to trust or engage with it.
Scammers used AI tools to overlay fake audio onto real footage of the minister. They made it appear as though she was promoting the scheme.
PIB clarified that the Finance Minister has never endorsed any such programme.
💰 Don’t fall for get-rich-quick scams ❗
A digitally manipulated video of Union Finance Minister @nsitharaman is circulating online, falsely claiming she is promoting an investment scheme promising returns of ₹20 lakh in a month for just ₹22,000
❌ The… pic.twitter.com/VXmwK7IC9Y
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) November 16, 2025
Cyber Experts Raise Alarm
Officials said this manipulated video is part of a larger wave of AI-generated fraud. They added that such scams have targeted Indian citizens throughout 2025.
PIB Fact Check noted several similar deepfake scams in November 2025. The team said these cases show how quickly deceptive tactics are evolving.
Fraudsters often create convincing videos featuring senior government figures to exploit public trust. They then lure victims into depositing money into fraudulent platforms.
These schemes frequently redirect users to phishing websites, where cybercriminals collect personal data and trap individuals in financial scams.
Cybersecurity experts warn that deepfake-driven financial fraud has risen sharply.
Multiple 2025 cybersecurity reports show a 300% surge in deepfake-related scams across India.
Analysts say scammers now rely heavily on AI-generated voices and videos to boost credibility.
They warn that these tools make it harder for ordinary users to detect manipulation.
Experts urge citizens to verify all investment claims through official government channels.
They urge users to verify promotional content on official social media handles and government portals. They also urge users to verify such claims through the PIB Fact Check service.
Authorities emphasise that no legitimate government official promotes investment schemes promising extraordinary returns.
The spread of this deepfake has raised broader concerns about digital literacy, misinformation, and AI misuse.
Cyber experts argue that India needs stronger reporting mechanisms and wider awareness campaigns. They also call for upgraded digital security measures to counter such threats.
PIB has again appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and avoid clicking suspicious links. It also urges people to immediately report any misleading content featuring government representatives.
Also Read: PIB Clarifies: No Multiple IAF Crashes, Single Training Accident Near Chennai
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