The fact-checking wing of the Press Information Bureau on May 7 revealed that a video circulating online purporting to show Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman endorsing an investment platform is fake.
In a post on social media platform
PIB warns about online investment scams
“Beware of online investment scams! A link circulating on WhatsApp directs users to a video falsely portraying Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in support of the investment platform. INR21,000 pieces gives you maximum profit INR3 million dollars,” he warned.
The department further stated that the video is a fake created using artificial intelligence (AI). “Neither the Finance Minister nor the Government of India has supported, sanctioned or promoted any such investment scheme or platform,” it said.
Verify your claim — check details and report an incident
PIB further warned that scammers often use fabricated videos and false promises of unusually high returns to deceive people online. Additionally, “Before investing or sharing personal or financial information, always verify any such claims through official government sources.”
“Stay vigilant. Think before you click. Help us stop misinformation and online fraud. If you encounter suspicious or manipulated content, please report it immediately,” the post added. Please report it to the number below and email a link, screenshot, or video and a short description.
- WhatsApp: +91 8799711259
- Email: factcheck@pib.gov.in
Spotlight: PIB Fact Check — Fake AI video created by FM Sitharaman
This is not the first time that PIB has refuted an AI-generated video of Sitharaman. INR22,000 and you can generate a guaranteed income. INR300,000 yen per month.
Owaisi complains about fraudulent advertising by deepfake AI
Notably, last year, AIMIM chairman Asaduddin Owaisi had filed a complaint with the Hyderabad police in connection with deepfake videos promoting investment scams. INR53,000 returns were received and circulated online each day. “This video was created and uploaded along with malicious content to lure innocent people and spread false propaganda in my name,” Owaisi said in his complaint.
The Hyderabad Police filed a case on June 5 last year and said the video was made to mislead the public into believing that he was promoting investment fraud. They added that the deepfake video also includes AI-generated clips of Sitharaman, Reliance Industries billionaire businessman Mukesh Ambani and Infosys billionaire founder Narayana Murthy.
Tips for filing a complaint:
- Please include clear evidence (links, images, timestamps).
- Please do not forward any further false content unless necessary to report it.
- Please tell us why you believe the content is false or misleading.
Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations expressed above are those of individual analysts or brokerages and not of Mint. We recommend checking with a certified professional before making any investment decisions.
