India’s official PIB Fact Check account has exposed a false Facebook advertisement falsely portraying Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman endorsing a fraudulent ‘N Project’ investment scheme.
A Facebook advertisement claims that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is promoting an investment project offering returns of ₹20 lakh in 3 days on an investment of ₹21,000.#PIBFactCheck
❌ This advertisement is #Fake.
⚠️ The Union Finance Minister or the Government… pic.twitter.com/dejo3UVJSO
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) February 2, 2026
The post claimed that investors could convert ₹21,000 into ₹20 lakh within three days.
Authorities confirmed that the advertisement is entirely fabricated and untrue.
The scam exploits public confidence in government officials through doctored images.
Such manipulation mirrors earlier 2026 incidents, including deepfake videos featuring Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, both purportedly promoting unrealistic, high-return schemes.
The concerned ministries have officially repudiated each of these videos and posts.
Experts, however, warn that fraudulent campaigns of this nature leverage the popularity and credibility of senior officials to mislead citizens.
The rise of synthetic media and digital deception has created fertile ground for such schemes, targeting investors’ trust and financial decision-making.
Investment-related frauds have surged in India over recent years. Cybercrime cases nearly doubled in 2024, causing losses exceeding ₹11,000 crore.
Fraudsters increasingly rely on sophisticated methods, including online advertisements, social media manipulation, and deepfake content. These methods make verification more difficult for ordinary citizens and increase the risk of substantial financial damage.
Authorities emphasise the need for vigilance and verification through official channels.
Authorities strongly advise individuals to consult verified sources, such as the Ministry of Finance website or official PIB releases. They should do so before acting on any investment-related message or advertisement.
Ignoring these warnings exposes the public to significant financial and legal risks.
Financial regulators continue to track and take action against fraudulent investment schemes, but experts stress that citizen awareness remains the most effective safeguard.
Public education campaigns, media literacy, and adherence to verified information are essential to prevent losses from scams that falsely exploit prominent government figures.
This incident underscores the growing intersection of technology, finance, and crime in India.
As scammers employ increasingly sophisticated digital tactics, verifying information before investing is no longer optional but critical.
Citizens are urged to remain cautious and rely solely on authenticated government sources to protect their financial interests.
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