An article falsely attributed to BBC, titled “Fans advocate for Amitabh Bachchan’s release after controversial interview,” claims that Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has endorsed a trading platform called Immediate V9 Hiprex. This claim is entirely false and part of a growing online scam using fake celebrity endorsements.
Key Findings:
- Fake Article on a Bogus Website:
The article is not published on the official BBC website. Instead, it is hosted on a fake site that mimics the BBC logo and layout to mislead readers. - Fabricated Podcast and Conversation:
The article mentions a fictitious podcast, “The Podcast with Ashwathama,” where Amitabh Bachchan supposedly revealed his investment strategy with director Nag Ashwin. No such podcast or conversation ever occurred. - Bogus Claims and Fake Screenshots:
The article includes made-up quotes attributed to Bachchan, claiming that everyone on the Forbes list uses the platform. It also displays fake bank statements and photos doctored to appear authentic. - Scam Strategy:
The platform tricks users into believing it is legitimate by using the names and images of Amitabh Bachchan and Nag Ashwin, along with the fake BBC branding. It then prompts users to invest a minimum of ₹21,000, based on fabricated claims about Bachchan’s investment habits. - Manipulative Narratives:
The scam narrative prepares victims for initial losses, encouraging them to invest multiple times before realizing it’s a fraud.
Conclusion:
This entire article and the Immediate V9 Hiprex platform are fraudulent. Amitabh Bachchan has not endorsed or invested in this platform, and the claims made are baseless and deceptive.
Stay Safe Online:
- Verify the source of any claims, especially those involving celebrity endorsements.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or investing in platforms without thorough research.
This case highlights the growing sophistication of online scams. Stay vigilant to protect yourself from falling victim.