Deepfake videos impersonate Sudha Murty to promote investment scams
AI-generated deepfake videos falsely portraying Sudha Murty circulated on social media, particularly Facebook, endorsing fraudulent investment schemes with unrealistic returns. The videos used voice cloning and facial manipulation without her consent, and people reportedly lost money after acting on the fake advice. Murty publicly warned about the scams and urged the public to verify information through official channels.
What happened
AI-generated deepfake videos falsely portraying Sudha Murty circulated online, particularly on Facebook, recommending investment schemes and urging viewers to invest amounts such as '$200 or 20,000 rupees' with claims of high returns.
The videos were created using artificial intelligence to clone her voice and manipulate her facial features without her knowledge or consent.
Reported impact
Several people known to Murty suffered financial losses after acting on the false investment assurances in the deepfake videos.
The fraudulent videos contained links to false websites designed to collect personal and sensitive information from victims.
Index analysis
The scams exploited Murty's trusted public status as an author, philanthropist, and Rajya Sabha MP to lend credibility to fraudulent investment claims.
Governance controls
Murty publicly warned about the deepfakes in a video message shared on X and clarified that she does not offer investment advice and has never spoken about financial investments online.
She urged the public to rely only on trusted banks and official sources for financial guidance and to report any fraudulent content.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.