The Press Information Bureau Fact Check Unit has said that a video circulating on social media, which appears to show Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promoting an investment scheme promising high returns, is fake and digitally created.
According to the PIB, the clip falsely claims that the government is backing a platform offering returns of Rs 5.5 lakh in one week on an investment of Rs 22,000. However, the PIB clarified that the video is AI-generated and that the finance minister or the Government of India has not endorsed any such scheme.
“A video circulating on social media falsely shows Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promoting an investment platform and claiming returns of ₹5.5 lakh in one week on an initial investment of ₹22,000,” the PIB Fact Check Unit said.
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“The video is #FAKE and AI-generated,” it added. “The Finance Minister @nsitharaman or the Government of India has NOT endorsed this investment platform or scheme,” the PIB further said.
What Viral Video Claims?
The manipulated video shows what appears to be Nirmala Sitharaman speaking about a government-backed investment opportunity.
In the altered clip, she is heard saying, "today, you have a unique opportunity to take part in an official government project developed with the support of the Ministry of Economy of India, which can change your life forever. I personally guarantee a payment of 550,000 rupees per week to everyone who joins this program. This is not just words, it's a real opportunity to change your life."
The same clip further claims, "you only need to invest 22,000 rupees and you will easily earn 550,000 rupees per week without working and without any financial knowledge. I personally guarantee the safety of your funds and the complete confidentiality of your data. This opportunity is available to all citizens of India, but the number of spots is limited."
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The PIB Fact Check Unit has urged people to verify such claims through official sources and remain cautious while engaging with unknown investment platforms. It also asked citizens to report misleading or manipulated content.
The PIB has reiterated that such AI-generated videos are being used to mislead people by falsely showing endorsements from government officials. It has advised users to remain alert and not fall for claims promising unusually high returns in a short period.
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