RBI warns against deepfake videos of Governor Shaktikanta Das promoting investment schemes

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday warned about "deepfake" videos of Governor Shaktikanta Das that claim "launch of or support to some investment schemes” by the central bank. The RBI clarified that these videos, created using advanced technological tools, are fake and that the central bank does not give any such financial investment advice.

“It has come to the notice of Reserve bank of India that fake videos of the Governor are being circulated in social media that claim launch of or support to some investment schemes by the RBI. These videos attempt to advise people to invest their money in such schemes, through use of technological tools,” RBI said in a statement.

"RBI clarifies that its officials are not involved in or support any such activities and these videos are fake. RBI does not give any such financial investment advice," it added.

The RBI urged the public to exercise caution and refrain from engaging with or acting upon these deepfake videos.

The issue highlights the growing threat of deepfakes—highly convincing, manipulated videos or audio generated using artificial intelligence (AI). By superimposing a person’s likeness onto another’s actions or words, these videos can create an illusion of authenticity that is difficult to detect.

In the financial world, deepfakes pose a unique risk as scammers use this technology to impersonate trusted figures and lure victims into fraudulent schemes.

By using the likeness of the RBI Governor, scammers seek to exploit the trust and credibility associated with the central bank. Such tactics are particularly concerning in a country like India, where millions of first-time investors are entering the financial market and may not have the expertise to verify the authenticity of such claims.