The Press Information Bureau’s fact-check unit has flagged a viral claim circulating on the internet that falsely promotes a so-called Quantum AI investment scheme in the name of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, warning the public that the claim is entirely fake and that neither the Finance Minister nor the Government of India has endorsed any such scheme.
The PIB Fact Check confirmed that the viral promotion is fabricated and urged citizens to verify any government-related claims exclusively from official sources before acting on them. The fake scheme uses the Finance Minister’s name and image to lend false legitimacy to what appears to be a fraudulent investment platform — a tactic that has become increasingly common in India’s rapidly expanding digital financial ecosystem, where scammers exploit the credibility of senior government officials to trap unsuspecting investors.
The Quantum AI framing is a specific and deliberate choice by those behind the scam. Artificial intelligence and quantum computing are two of the most discussed technology themes in financial media globally, and attaching both terms to an investment scheme creates an impression of cutting-edge legitimacy that many retail investors may find difficult to question. The combination of a senior government official’s endorsement and a technologically sophisticated brand name is designed to override the scepticism that might otherwise protect potential victims.
This type of scam follows a well-established pattern seen across multiple countries. A deepfake video, fabricated quote, or manipulated image of a prominent political figure is circulated on social media platforms claiming they personally recommend a specific investment opportunity offering unusually high returns. The scam typically directs victims to a website where they are asked to deposit money to access the scheme, after which contact ceases and funds are not recoverable.
India has seen a significant increase in such fraudulent investment schemes in 2025 and 2026, with the Iran war period creating additional vulnerability — elevated gold prices, silver at 148% inflation, crude above $100 per barrel, and equity market volatility have all created an environment where ordinary investors are actively seeking alternative investment opportunities and are therefore more susceptible to schemes that promise outsized returns.
PIB has asked anyone who comes across misleading content related to the Government of India to report it immediately through WhatsApp at plus 91 8799711259 or by email at [email protected].
Before investing in any scheme that claims government endorsement, members of the public should verify directly through official government websites, the Ministry of Finance’s official communications, or SEBI’s registered investment adviser database. No legitimate government investment scheme is promoted through viral social media posts, and no minister personally endorses specific investment platforms.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the official PIB Fact Check alert. Business Upturn is not responsible for any decisions made based on this article. Readers are advised to consult a SEBI-registered financial advisor before making any investment decisions.