PIB Fact Check exposed a sophisticated scam using an AI-generated deepfake video. The video falsely shows Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman endorsing a fraudulent investment platform.
The fake video lures investors by claiming they can earn ₹65,000 daily from a ₹22,000 deposit. It promises returns rising to nearly ₹18 lakh per month.
The government agency confirmed that scammers fabricated the video to deliberately mislead the public.
Scammers have circulated the clip through sponsored advertisements on multiple social media platforms to attract unsuspecting users.
PIB Fact Check stressed that the Finance Minister has never promoted any such investment scheme.
A digitally manipulated video of Union Finance Minister @nsitharaman is circulating online, falsely claiming the launch of a program promising daily profits of ₹65,000 and nearly ₹18 lakh per month on an initial investment of ₹22,000.
❌ The video is #FAKE… pic.twitter.com/atmTHZoWXM
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) January 14, 2026
Authorities first identified the scam in August 2025.
Fraudsters continue to circulate deepfake content in 2026. Authorities have repeatedly issued warnings and debunked such content.
Cybersecurity groups have verified the deception. Public broadcasters have also confirmed it.
NewsOnAIR and CyberPeace India independently confirmed that the video is fake and aims to harvest personal and financial information.
The scammers rely on deepfake technology to imitate the Finance Minister’s voice, facial expressions, and mannerisms.
They exploit public trust in senior officials to legitimise false claims and deceive victims into sending money.
Public Advisory and Safety Warning
PIB Fact Check reiterated that no official government programme offers guaranteed or unusually high daily or monthly returns.
Verify claims through authentic government sources. Do not invest or share personal details without confirmation.
Experts warn that the growing use of AI-driven deepfakes presents a serious threat to digital safety. Such scams blur the line between real and fabricated content, making it harder for users to identify fraud.
Authorities advised people to treat sensational investment promises with caution and report suspicious content immediately.
PIB Fact Check continues to monitor online platforms and urges social media users to remain vigilant. It emphasised that informed verification remains the strongest defence against digital fraud and financial scams.
Also Read: PIB Debunks Fake Letter Claiming India Suspended Trade With Afghanistan
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