New Delhi: Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting the names, photographs and videos of trusted public personalities and celebrities to promote fake investment schemes through advertisements on Facebook and Instagram, cybersecurity experts have warned. The fraudulent advertisements are designed to appear authentic and often promise unusually high or guaranteed returns to lure unsuspecting investors.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has issued a statement warning citizens against fraudulent investment advertisements on Instagram that falsely impersonate the Prime Minister and other prominent public figures. The agency said cybercriminals are exploiting the identities of trusted personalities to promote fake investment schemes that promise unrealistic returns and deceive users into transferring money. I4C urged the public to verify the authenticity of online advertisements before investing, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and report such content to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The statement also emphasized that government officials do not endorse or promote investment schemes through social media advertisements.
According to cybersecurity experts, scammers create advertisements using edited images, manipulated videos or AI-generated content featuring well-known business leaders, film stars, sportspersons and other public figures without their knowledge or consent. These advertisements falsely suggest that the celebrity has endorsed or invested in a particular platform, encouraging users to click on links and register for investment opportunities.
After users click on the advertisements, they are typically redirected to fake websites or messaging platforms where fraudsters posing as investment advisers persuade them to transfer money. Victims are often shown fabricated profit dashboards and fake testimonials to build confidence. In many cases, scammers initially allow small withdrawals to gain the victim’s trust before convincing them to invest larger amounts. Once substantial sums are deposited, the fraudsters either demand additional processing fees or abruptly stop responding.
Cybersecurity professionals said that the increasing use of artificial intelligence has made it easier for criminals to create convincing fake videos and promotional material, making it difficult for users to distinguish genuine advertisements from fraudulent ones.
Experts advise users not to rely solely on celebrity endorsements or social media advertisements while making financial decisions. Before investing, individuals should independently verify whether the investment platform is registered with the relevant regulatory authorities and confirm any endorsement through the celebrity’s official social media accounts or website.
People should also be cautious of advertisements promising guaranteed returns, exclusive investment opportunities or limited-time offers. Financial experts note that legitimate investment products always involve some level of risk and do not guarantee extraordinary profits.
Authorities recommend reporting suspicious advertisements to the social media platform, avoiding sharing personal or banking information with unknown entities, and immediately informing cybercrime authorities if any financial loss occurs. Greater public awareness and careful verification remain the most effective safeguards against such online investment frauds.
