New Delhi, Oct. 19 -- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday issued an advisory warning people against financial fraud through deceptive advertisements on Facebook and Instagram that use manipulated or deepfake videos of prominent public and political figures, including the Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Chief Ministers, to promote fake government welfare schemes and promise financial assistance.

The National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU) of the MHA issued the advisory pointing out that the fraudsters deceive victims into paying purported taxes, processing fees, registration charges and other expenses to receive the promised benefits.

In some cases, the advisory says, victims are lured through fake cashback reward...