The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has warned citizens against cyber fraudsters using manipulated videos of prominent political figures, including the Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Chief Ministers, to promote fake government welfare schemes on Facebook and Instagram.
How Are Fraudsters Using Fake Government Videos?
The National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU) under the MHA issued an advisory on Monday warning that criminals are circulating deceptive advertisements featuring manipulated videos of public figures. These videos falsely suggest that government leaders are announcing financial assistance schemes or other welfare benefits.
According to the advisory, the advertisements are primarily circulated through Meta platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. Some advertisements contain contact numbers, while others redirect users to fraudulent websites where they are encouraged to claim the supposed benefits.
The use of familiar political figures is intended to make the advertisements appear credible and persuade people to respond without independently verifying the claims.
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How Are Victims Tricked Into Paying Money?
The advisory explains that fraudsters contact potential victims through telephone calls and WhatsApp messages after attracting their attention through deceptive advertisements.
Victims are told that they have been selected to receive financial assistance, cashback rewards or other benefits. Criminals then demand payments under the pretext of taxes, processing fees, registration charges or verification expenses.
These demands may be repeated, with victims asked to make further payments before the promised funds can supposedly be released. The advisory warns that such claims are used to obtain money rather than provide legitimate government assistance.
What Is the UPI PIN Scam?
The MHA has also warned about fake cashback offers and scratch-card or spin-and-win contests designed to trick users into approving Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions.
In some cases, victims are redirected to payment applications and instructed to enter their transaction PINs to receive prize money. However, entering a UPI PIN authorises a payment from the user’s account rather than receiving money.
The advisory emphasises that a UPI PIN is required to authorise payments, not to receive funds. Users should therefore carefully examine transaction details before approving any UPI collect request.
Why Has the MHA Flagged International Calls?
The advisory specifically cautions people against international telephone numbers, particularly those beginning with +92, Pakistan’s country code.
According to the NCTAU, some fraudsters using these numbers claim to represent public figures or their offices. They may tell victims that they have been randomly selected for financial assistance and subsequently demand payments.
The ministry has urged citizens to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a government department, particularly when financial benefits are promised through unsolicited communications.
How Can Citizens Verify Welfare Scheme Claims?
The NCTAU has advised people to verify government welfare schemes through the official websites of the departments concerned before responding to advertisements on social media.
Citizens should also confirm the purpose and recipient of any payment requested in connection with a supposed government benefit. Where doubts remain, they should contact the relevant government office through official channels.
The advisory further warns against sharing Aadhaar and PAN details, bank account information, one-time passwords or UPI PINs with unknown individuals.
Claims made in videos and voice recordings featuring public figures should also be checked through authentic sources rather than accepted as genuine.
Where Can Victims Report Such Fraud?
People who encounter fraudulent advertisements or become victims of these schemes have been advised to report the incidents immediately through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
The advisory stresses the importance of checking payment instructions and verifying government benefit claims before transferring money or disclosing personal information.
The420 Insight
The MHA advisory highlights how manipulated political videos and fraudulent welfare advertisements can be used to exploit public trust. Criminals are combining familiar faces, promises of financial assistance and payment requests to deceive citizens. The clearest warning is that legitimate receipt of money does not require entering a UPI PIN. Verifying schemes through official government channels and refusing advance payment demands can help prevent such fraud.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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