Deepfake video falsely shows PM Modi endorsing fraudulent investment scheme
A deepfake video falsely showed Prime Minister Modi endorsing a fraudulent investment scheme promising ₹1.25 lakh daily returns. The Indian government's Press Information Bureau confirmed the video was created using AI deepfake technology. Indian financial institutions issued warnings about growing misuse of deepfakes in scams.
What happened
A viral video circulating on social media showed what appeared to be Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsing an investment scheme promising daily profits of ₹1.25 lakh on an initial investment of ₹21,000.
The Press Information Bureau confirmed on July 7, 2025, that the video was created using AI-based deepfake technology and that neither PM Modi nor the Government of India is associated with any such investment platform.
Reported impact
India's leading financial institutions, including the State Bank of India and HDFC Bank, raised concerns about the growing misuse of deepfakes in financial frauds and issued public caution notices warning customers about scam videos using deepfake technology.
Index analysis
The scam appears to be part of a larger trend where deepfakes and synthetic media are used to impersonate public figures and lend credibility to fraudulent investment schemes in order to trick citizens into transferring money or revealing sensitive information.
Governance controls
The PIB Fact Check Unit investigated the viral video and confirmed it was digitally manipulated using artificial intelligence and deepfake tools. The PIB urged citizens to verify facts through official sources before believing or investing in any such schemes.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.