Sudha Murty warns against deepfakes misusing her image to promote fake investments

Rajya Sabha member, author and philanthropist Sudha Murty on Wednesday (January 21) warned against fake videos circulating online that misuse her image and voice to promote financial schemes and investments.

Also Read: 'We are not from backward class': Sudha Murty, Narayana Murthy opt out of Karnataka caste survey

She said the videos were deepfakes created without her knowledge or consent.

Sudha Murty warning

“I want to alert people to fake videos circulating online that falsely use my image and voice to promote financial schemes and investments. These are deepfakes created without my knowledge or consent,” Murty said.

"Please do not make any financial decisions based on these fraudulent videos. I urge you to verify information through official channels and report any such content you encounter. Stay vigilant and stay safe. Jai Hind!" she posted on 'X' along with a video message.

Also Read: Sudha Murty's 'How I Taught My Grandmother to Read' adapted into play

In the video message, Murty, who is also the Chairperson of the Murty Trust said, as a rule, she never talks about investments or doing anything with money.

Caution urged

"I'm really concerned and pained to tell everyone, when you look at Facebook there is a video of mine, 2-3 are going on actually simultaneously, where I talk about investing USD 200 or Rs 20,000 and you will get much more than that, or maybe ten times more than that. Such fake news is going on," she said.

Stating that many people whom she knows have invested and lost money, Murty asked people not to believe in financial transaction-related messages that come on social media like Facebook.

"It is fake news, you will lose your money. If you have any doubts, send an email, find out or ask in the bank about it. Think over it, and then invest.

Financial vigilance

"As a rule, I never talk about investments or doing anything with money. I always talk about work, India's culture, women, and education. I never talk about investing money and getting returns from it. It is fake news," she said.

Also Read: AI deepfakes: Malaysia, Indonesia become first countries to block Grok

"With folded hands, I request all viewers, any financial transaction in my name, don't believe it, it's fake news. Don't lose your hard-earned money for some greed, which they put you in like a net and get you inside. Don't do that," she said, advising, "save your money, invest wisely. If you have a problem, go and check with the police station or at a bank."

(With agency inputs)