Scammers create fake AI videos of the federal finance minister to lure people into fake investment schemes and loot billions through social media links.
Cybercriminals have made Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman their latest and most powerful tool to carry out massive online fraud. Fraudsters have scammed innocent people and looted tens of millions of rupees by creating fake AI-generated videos in her name. In the city alone, more than 50 FIRs have been registered in just one month, highlighting the horrifying scale of the scam.
Police sources say scammers are using artificial intelligence to create realistic fake videos that appear to show the finance minister talking about government-backed investment schemes. These videos are widely circulating on social media platforms, especially Facebook, with malicious links placed in the comments section.
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In the fake video, victims are promised huge profits, claiming that an investment of Rs 21,000 can turn into Rs 20 million within just 30 days. The video also falsely states that the central government has launched a special scheme for poor citizens and is encouraging people to register online for quick benefits.
Once users click on the link, they will be asked to register by submitting bank account information and personal documents. Many victims initially notice a reduction of ₹21,000. However, soon after registration, the scammer drains the entire bank balance, leaving the victim financially devastated. According to police, the fraud was repeated on multiple accounts, resulting in multiple victims losing large sums of money.
Many people invested without checking the source, believing the video to be real. Officials said the scam was highly effective, with every victim similarly targeted with promises of quick and huge profits.
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Accordingly, the city’s cyber police registered a suo motu case and launched an intensive investigation. Police teams are actively scanning Facebook and other platforms to track and remove such fake AI videos. Authorities have urged the public not to trust AI-generated videos or online investment messages using the central minister’s name.
Law enforcement officials issued a strong warning to the public, advising them to check all investment-related complaints and avoid clicking on unknown links. Investigations are ongoing and efforts are intensifying to track down the fraud network behind this large-scale cyber fraud.
