Archive · 18 Jul 2025
Deepfake Videos Target Telugu CMs in Investment Scam
Fake videos of leaders from two states in India were made to trick people into a money-making scheme.
The videos showed the leaders promoting an investment that promised a lot of money quickly.
The videos used old footage and looked real.
The government said these videos were fake and warned people not to fall for the scam.
Social media platforms are being urged to stop such videos from spreading.
Deepfake videos of Chief Ministers in two Telugu states promote a fraudulent financial scheme.
The videos falsely promised returns of ₹2 lakhs per month on a ₹21,000 investment.
The deepfakes utilized existing footage and included a senior journalist.
Both state governments issued warnings and advisories about the videos.
Experts highlight the need for AI on social media platforms to combat deepfakes.
- Who
- Chief Ministers of two Telugu states, senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, and citizens targeted by the scams.
- What
- Deepfake videos promoting a fraudulent financial scheme using the likeness of two Telugu State Chief Ministers.
- When
- Published on July 18, 2025; deepfakes are currently circulating.
- Where
- Telugu-speaking areas in India.
- Why
- To deceive the public into investing in a fraudulent financial scheme.
Perpetrators
Governments & Experts
Objective
Perpetrators
Use deepfake technology to deceive and steal money.
Governments & Experts
N/A
Method
Perpetrators
Exploit human vulnerabilities through AI-generated media
Governments & Experts
N/A
- Scam Type
- Financial investment scam
- Targeted People
- Citizens in Telugu-speaking areas
- False Promise
- ₹2 lakh return on ₹21,000 investment per month
- Platforms to Verify
- Official government websites
- Deepfake Technology
- AI-generated videos
- Governments' Response
- Issued warnings and advisories