Centre warns of AI deepfake scams using Modi, Sitharaman videos

The I4C has issued a nationwide advisory on AI-generated deepfake videos of the PM, the Finance Minister and chief ministers being used to push fake welfare schemes.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has warned citizens about a surge in AI-generated deepfake videos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and several chief ministers being used to promote fake government welfare schemes. The fraudulent advertisements, appearing mostly on Facebook and Instagram, redirect victims to fake websites and WhatsApp accounts that demand registration fees.

The advisory, issued nationwide, also flags suspicious calls from international numbers, fake customer-care rackets and UPI fraud techniques. Officials say the deepfakes are growing more convincing, making it harder for ordinary users to tell real announcements from scams.

The I4C has urged the public to verify any scheme only through official government websites and to report suspicious content on the national cybercrime helpline 1930. Social media platforms have been asked to act faster on takedown requests for synthetic media.