AI deepfake scam using Nirmala Sitharaman’s name triggers cyber alert after 50+ FIRs in one month

Fraudsters create fake AI videos of the Union Finance Minister to lure people into fake investment schemes, looting crores through social media links.

Cyber criminals have made Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman their latest and most powerful tool to carry out large-scale online fraud. By creating fake AI-generated videos in her name, scammers are cheating innocent people and looting crores of rupees. In the city alone, more than 50 FIRs have been registered within just one month, highlighting the alarming scale of the scam.

According to police officials, fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to create realistic fake videos that appear to show the Finance Minister speaking about government-backed investment schemes. These videos are widely circulated on social media platforms, especially Facebook, with fraudulent links placed in the comment sections.

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In the fake videos, victims are promised huge returns, claiming that an investment of ₹21,000 can turn into ₹20 lakh within just 30 days. The videos also falsely state that the Central Government has launched a special scheme for poor citizens, urging people to register online to earn quick profits.

Once users click on the link, they are asked to register by submitting bank details and personal documents. Many victims initially notice a deduction of ₹21,000. However, soon after registration, the scammers drain the entire bank balance, leaving victims financially shattered. Police said multiple victims have lost large sums, with the fraud repeating across several accounts.

Believing the videos to be genuine, many people invested without verifying the source. Officials said that each victim was targeted with the same promise of fast and massive profit, making the scam highly effective.

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In response, city cyber police cells have registered suo motu cases and launched intensive investigations. Police teams are actively scanning Facebook and other platforms to trace and delete such fake AI videos. Authorities have urged citizens not to trust any AI-generated video or online investment message that uses the names of central ministers.

The police department has issued a strong public warning, advising people to verify all investment-related claims and avoid clicking unknown links. Investigations are underway, and efforts are being intensified to track the fraud networks behind this massive cyber cheating operation.