A viral video circulating on social media falsely depicts Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promoting an investment scheme that allegedly turns ₹22,000 into ₹5.5 lakh within a week. The claim has raised serious concerns about the misuse of technology to mislead the public.
The Press Information Bureau, through its fact-checking unit, has clarified that the video is completely fake and generated using artificial intelligence. It confirmed that neither the Finance Minister nor the Government of India has endorsed any such investment opportunity.
A viral video of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman claims to offer ₹5,50,000 in a week in lieu of an initial investment amount of ₹22,000. #PIBFactCheck:
❌ The video is #FAKE and AI generated.
✅ Neither the Government of India nor the Finance Minister is endorsing any… pic.twitter.com/cgUhxLWvEj
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) April 16, 2026
Authorities have noted a growing trend of scammers using AI-generated videos to impersonate public figures and promote fraudulent schemes. These videos often appear highly convincing, making it difficult for viewers to distinguish between real and manipulated content.
Citizens are strongly advised to remain cautious while encountering such claims online.
The government has urged people to verify any financial scheme or announcement through official sources before taking action.
Falling for such scams can lead to significant financial losses.
The Press Information Bureau has also encouraged the public to actively report and avoid sharing misleading content.
Raising awareness and practising digital caution are key to curbing the spread of misinformation.
This incident highlights the importance of media literacy in the digital age. With the rise of AI-driven content manipulation, verifying information from trusted and official channels has become more crucial than ever.
Also Read: PIB Flags Fake I4C Letter; Warns Against Cyber Fraud And Misinformation
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