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Deepfake Video Of Rajnath Singh Used To Promise Returns Of Rs 15 Lakh A Month
A deepfake video impersonating Defence Minister Rajnath Singh circulated online, promising outsized investment returns and using national symbols to appear legitimate. It was debunked by Athenian Tech and PIB Fact Check as AI-generated misinformation with fake endorsements.
Why It Matters
The incident illustrates how AI-generated misinformation can be used to lure investors and fabricate endorsements; it underscores the need for verification through official sources before sharing.
Timeline
6 Events
PIB Fact Check declares the video fake and AI-generated
May 1, 2026
The PIB fact-check unit states the video is fake and AI-generated, warning that endorsements are not genuine and advising verification through official sources; PIB Fact Check's X handle posted the warning.
Link redirects to spoof landing page mimicking BSE
May 1, 2026
The link directs viewers to v4rbecjinkwedraf[.]com, a throwaway landing page that replicates the Bombay Stock Exchange website.
Claim of guaranteed compensation if returns fail
May 1, 2026
The video states that funds are 'secured' and that if the promised returns are not earned, Rs 10 lakh will be paid as compensation.
Video claims government and banks endorse the project
May 1, 2026
The clip asserts that the project is 'approved' by the Government of India and supported by 'very influential banks'.
Athenian Tech flags credibility tactics used in video
May 1, 2026
The threat-hunting platform notes a horizontally scrolling 'official partners' strip displaying the logos of PNB, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, SBI and Infosys, used without authorization to manufacture credibility.
Deepfake video circulates online using Rajnath Singh likeness
May 1, 2026
An AI-generated video purportedly shows Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaking, with the Indian flag and national emblem appearing in the clip. It promises investors returns of Rs 80,000 in a day and up to Rs 15 lakh a month for an investment of Rs 22,000.