Deepfake Scam: Viral Video of FM Nirmala Sitharaman is Fake

No, a viral video showing Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promoting a “quick rich scheme” is fake and has been confirmed as a deepfake. The video is a malicious fabrication created using artificial intelligence (AI) to deceive the public and lure them into a fraudulent investment scam. This is a recurring issue, with similar deepfakes targeting other public figures as well.

Key Fact-Checking Findings

The Video is a Deepfake: Multiple fact-checking organizations, including the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit, have confirmed that the video is digitally manipulated. Analysis of the video reveals tell-tale signs of AI alteration, such as unnatural lip movements that do not sync with the audio, and cloned voices. The original footage of the Finance Minister has been altered to make it appear as though she is endorsing a scam.

No Official Endorsement:

The Indian government and the Finance Minister’s office have not endorsed any such “quick rich scheme.” Any claim of a government-backed investment platform offering unbelievably high returns is false. Legitimate government schemes are announced through official channels, such as official websites, press releases, and credible news outlets, not through viral social media videos.

Warning Signs of the Scam:

The scam video often promises unrealistic returns, such as earning ₹25 lakh per month from an initial investment of ₹22,000. Financial experts universally caution against any scheme that guarantees such high, risk-free profits in a short period. The names of these fraudulent platforms, such as “QuantumAI,” are often used repeatedly in various scams. This is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to prey on people’s desire for quick and easy money.

How to Stay Safe: To protect yourself from such scams, it’s crucial to be vigilant and verify information from official sources. Do not click on suspicious links or download apps from unofficial sources. If an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Always consult with a trusted financial advisor and check for official announcements from the government before making any investment decisions.

Here’s a video from NDTV that discusses how a digitally altered video of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promoted a fake investment scheme. Sources