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New Delhi: A viral message claiming Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched a scheme promising a staggering ₹20 lakh income from an investment of just ₹21,000 has been debunked by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check team. This sensational claim, circulating widely through social media videos, is a digitally altered scam designed to defraud unsuspecting citizens.

The PIB’s official fact-checking unit swiftly stepped in to clarify that these videos are completely false and misleading. The fraudulent schemes promise unbelievable returns – nearly 3 times the investment in a single day and a mind-boggling 100 times the investment within a month! These claims are entirely baseless and falsely attribute endorsement to Finance Minister Sitharaman.

How the Scam Works

The scam typically involves sharing videos or messages that appear to feature Nirmala Sitharaman announcing a lucrative investment opportunity. These videos are often heavily edited and manipulated to create a false sense of credibility. The message encourages viewers to invest a small amount, like ₹21,000, promising extraordinary profits in return. The goal is to lure individuals into sharing the message further, expanding the reach of the scam and potentially extracting money from vulnerable victims.

PIB's Warning

The PIB has issued a strong warning against believing such claims and urged the public to verify any information related to government schemes through official sources. Their official website (https://pibfactcheck.nic.in/) is a reliable resource for verifying such information. They emphasize that the government never endorses schemes promising such unrealistic returns.

Why These Scams are Dangerous

These types of scams are particularly dangerous because they exploit people's desire for financial gain. The promise of quick and easy money is tempting, and many individuals may fall prey to these fraudulent schemes without properly scrutinizing the claims. The consequences can be devastating, leading to significant financial losses and emotional distress.

Protect Yourself from Investment Scams

• Be Skeptical: If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Verify Information: Always check with official government sources before investing in any scheme.
• Don't Share Messages: Avoid sharing messages or videos that promote investment schemes without verifying their authenticity.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

The PIB's swift action in debunking this scam serves as a crucial reminder to stay vigilant and protect yourself from online fraud. Always exercise caution and verify information before making any financial decisions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.