MHA Warns Against Fake Investment Ads and Deepfake Scams Flooding Social Media

With the rapid expansion of internet access and the sharp rise in online transactions across India, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a strong warning about fake advertisements and manipulated videos being used to cheat citizens through investment and part-time job scams.

In one recent case, a 25-year-old resident of Begum Bazaar lost ₹12.56 lakh in an online stock trading fraud run through a fake app and WhatsApp group. The victim came across an Instagram advertisement that carried the logo of Motilal Oswal and appeared genuine. On clicking the link, he was directed to a WhatsApp group managed by fraudsters posing as financial advisers. They persuaded him to invest through a mobile application named Modma, which initially showed growing profits to gain his trust. Later, when he refused to pay an additional ₹7.6 lakh as a so-called release fee, he realised he had been deceived.

In another alarming case, manipulated videos featuring Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have circulated on social media. In these clips, her face and voice were altered to make it seem as though she was personally promoting a government-backed investment plan that promised ₹50,000 monthly income for a deposit of ₹22,000. Despite repeated clarifications from the government that these videos are false, several people have fallen victim to such scams.

Similarly, a 57-year-old woman from Bengaluru reportedly lost ₹3.75 crore after being misled by a manipulated video showing spiritual leader Sadhguru promoting a stock-trading platform. The fraudsters, using the name Mirrox, contacted her through WhatsApp groups and guided her through trading sessions on video calls. Believing it to be genuine, she transferred large sums of money, which she was never able to recover.

The MHA has warned that such fake investment and job advertisements, often promising unrealistic returns or easy earnings, are designed solely to steal money and personal details.

To address this growing concern, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has stepped up its awareness campaigns and monitoring efforts. Citizens are urged to report online financial frauds through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in
) or the helpline number 1930.

The MHA has also advised social media platforms to detect and remove misleading advertisements and doctored videos that impersonate public figures or government officials. Public vigilance and prompt reporting are essential to prevent further incidents.

Stay informed, stay alert, and stay safe online with CyberDost. If fallen victim, report immediately to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

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