New Delhi: A video featuring Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has gone viral across social media platforms, sparking widespread concern and curiosity. In the footage, the Finance Minister appears to endorse a specific investment platform, claiming that users can earn massive wealth in a very short period. However, the Central Government has stepped in to debunk the claims and expose the reality behind the footage.
A Complete Deepfake
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit has officially clarified that the circulating video is entirely fake. Investigations revealed that the video is AI-generated (Deepfake), using sophisticated technology to mimic the Minister's voice and facial movements. The government has confirmed that the Finance Minister has not endorsed any such scheme or investment platform.
The "Too Good to Be True" Offer
The fraudulent video attempts to lure citizens by claiming that an initial deposit of just ₹22,000 can generate a guaranteed monthly income of ₹30 lakh. Warning the public via a post on X (formerly Twitter), PIB Fact Check stated, "A video circulating on social media falsely shows the Union Finance Minister promoting an investment platform. This claim is completely baseless and fraudulent."
A Dangerous Phishing Trap
Authorities have warned that these videos are part of a larger 'Phishing' network designed to deceive the public and steal sensitive banking information. The Government of India reiterated that neither the Ministry of Finance nor any government official promotes high-return private investment schemes of this nature.
Not the First Attempt
This is not an isolated incident. A similar deepfake surfaced recently, claiming that an investment of ₹22,000 would yield returns of ₹5.5 lakh within a week. That video was also flagged and debunked as a dangerous scam by the PIB Fact Check team.
Advisory for Citizens
The government advises the public to:
Verify any sensational news through official government channels before trusting it.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links that promise unrealistic financial gains.
Never share personal or banking details on unverified platforms.