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Fake AI Video of FM Sitharaman Promising High Returns Debunked by PIB

PIB Fact Check has identified a viral video featuring Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as a fake generated using artificial intelligence. The fraudulent video falsely promotes an investment scheme promising unrealistic returns of Rs 5.5 lakh for an initial payment. The agency clarified that neither the Government of India nor the Finance Minister is endorsing any such scheme. It urged the public to verify financial claims through official sources and remain vigilant against such misinformation.

Key Points: PIB Debunks Fake AI Video of FM Sitharaman on Investment Scheme

  • AI-generated fake video debunked
  • False promise of Rs 5.5 lakh returns
  • Government issues public warning
  • Citizens urged to verify claims
  • Part of ongoing misinformation trend
2 min read

PIB Fact Check flags fake AI video of FM Sitharaman promoting investment scheme

PIB Fact Check warns against a viral AI-generated video falsely showing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman endorsing a fraudulent high-return investment scheme.

"The video is fake and AI generated. - PIB Fact Check"

New Delhi, April 16

The government's fact-checking arm PIB Fact Check on Thursday debunked a viral video that falsely shows Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman endorsing a high-return investment scheme, warning citizens against falling for such misinformation.

In a post on social media platform X, PIB Fact Check said the video, which claims that an investment of Rs 22,000 could yield returns of Rs 5.5 lakh within a week, is fake and generated using artificial intelligence.

"A viral video of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman claims to offer Rs 5,50,000 in a week in lieu of an initial investment amount of Rs 22,000. The video is fake and AI generated," it said.

The agency clarified that neither the Government of India nor the Finance Minister is promoting or endorsing any such scheme, and urged people to remain cautious of misleading content circulating online.

"Neither the Government nor the Finance Minister is endorsing any such investment scheme," it added.

The fact-checking unit also advised citizens to verify such claims through official government sources before taking any financial decisions.

It further appealed to users to report and flag suspicious content to help curb the spread of misinformation.

"Stay vigilant. Verify such claims through official government sources only," PIB Fact Check said.

Meanwhile, last month, PIB flagged a fake message circulating on social media that claims State Bank of India's (SBI) YONO app accounts will be blocked if users do not update their Aadhaar details immediately.

The purported message instructs recipients to download an APK file titled "SBI KYC AADHAR UPDATE" and install it to avoid disruption of services.

"The warning, which appears to be a phishing attempt, is designed to mislead account holders into sharing sensitive banking and personal information," PIB said last month.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone working in tech, the sophistication of these AI fakes is alarming. The government should also run public awareness campaigns on how to spot deepfakes, not just debunk them after they go viral.
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Ananya R
Rs 5.5 lakh in a week from Rs 22,000? Seriously, who falls for this? Common sense should tell you it's a scam. But I guess when people are desperate, they believe anything. Good that PIB is acting quickly.
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Vikram M
The SBI YONO scam last month and now this. These fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to cheat people. We need stricter cyber laws and faster action against the creators of such fake content.
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Priya S
My parents are not very tech-savvy. They trust anything that looks official. I have to constantly tell them not to click on links or believe videos without checking. PIB's work is crucial for protecting our elders.
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Michael C
While I appreciate the fact-checking, the response time needs to be faster. By the time a debunk comes, the video has already reached millions. The focus should be on prevention and quicker takedowns.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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