PIB Fact Check Exposes Deepfake Video Misusing Nirmala Sitharaman For AI Trading Scam

The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit has debunked a fabricated video that falsely portrays Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman endorsing a high-yield artificial intelligence trading application.

Authorities have labelled the clip as digitally altered and categorically misleading.

The manipulated footage circulates across social media platforms and messaging services. It claims that a new AI-powered investment software guarantees extraordinary daily profits from minimal capital.

PIB has confirmed that the video constitutes a deepfake. Malicious actors engineered it to deceive unsuspecting investors.

The agency shared the altered clip with prominent “FAKE” watermarks stamped across the screen.

This visual marker underscores the fraudulent nature of the content. Officials have urged citizens to exercise vigilance and refrain from acting on such deceptive promotions.

Repeated Fraud Pattern

This tactic has resurfaced repeatedly since 2024. Several comparable deepfake videos have appeared on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

These posts typically promise effortless daily income through modest financial contributions.

Earlier PIB advisories documented similar scams. Independent fact-checking organisations, including Newschecker, and media reports by Business Standard, have also exposed parallel schemes.

Each instance involved fabricated endorsements by prominent public figures to lend false credibility.

Officials have clarified that the Finance Minister has issued no such endorsement. They have advised the public to verify any financial claim through authorised government channels.

The official handle FinMinIndia remains the reliable source for authentic updates.

Authorities warn that these scams exploit artificial intelligence tools to create convincing but entirely fictitious content. Fraudsters manipulate voice, facial expressions, and speech patterns to simulate authenticity.

They then redirect viewers to phishing websites designed to harvest banking credentials and personal data.

India has witnessed a broader surge in AI-enabled financial fraud. Criminal networks increasingly target digitally active but financially inexperienced users.

Officials emphasise that citizens must scrutinise extraordinary return promises. Genuine investment opportunities never guarantee fixed daily profits.

PIB reiterates that individuals should report suspicious links and avoid sharing unverified videos. Verification through official portals remains essential.

Digital literacy and caution serve as the strongest defence against evolving cyber deception.

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