In a statement, the Ministry denounces that "advertisements and news items with the image and name of Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, advising on certain types of investments and financial products, are false" and that it has already taken the necessary steps with the competent authorities.

In the statement, it explains that the issue concerns "fraudulent content that has no connection whatsoever with the Minister of State and Finance, nor with the Ministry of Finance."

The Ministry of Finance recommends that "citizens always verify the origin of information and consider only official sources and channels of information and communication."

Miranda Sarmento's office adds that it has already taken the necessary steps with the Attorney General's Office.

In recent months, there have been similar warnings about the use of the image of economists and managers to promote financial products.

In October, the president of the Higher Institute of Economics and Management (ISEG) of the University of Lisbon, João Duque, denounced false videos that use his image to sell financial products and advised reporting them to the managing entities of the platforms.

Former banker António Horta Osório also denounced the existence of digital campaigns for alleged investment products or opportunities that use his name and image, explaining that they are "completely false".