Chennai CB-CID Books Case Over AI Deepfake Video Offering Fake Financial Aid

The Cyber Crime Cell of the CB-CID in Chennai has registered a case over an AI-generated deepfake video impersonating Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Vijay Joseph that was circulated on social media to allegedly defraud the public under the guise of providing financial assistance.

The case was registered on September 1 after the Cyber Crime team detected the deepfake video circulating on Facebook during routine cyber patrolling. The video featured Hindi audio impersonating the Chief Minister and directed viewers to contact a specific WhatsApp number to receive financial help.

Following the detection, a special report was submitted on September 1, leading to the formal registration of a case at the Cyber Crime Cell and the launch of an investigation. Authorities noted that the video was fabricated and distributed across Facebook and other platforms with the explicit intention of cheating innocent people.

Investigators have formally approached Meta to obtain information and account logs connected to the fake social media profiles. A takedown request has also been submitted to remove the deceptive video from the platform.

Preliminary investigations revealed that several similar AI-generated deepfake videos showing the Chief Minister offering financial support have been circulating across multiple social media platforms. Officials stated that several of these videos were shared through Facebook accounts purportedly based in Pakistan. The investigation remains underway to trace the individuals behind the operation and secure the removal of all related content.

The Tamil Nadu Police have urged members of the public not to contact phone numbers or join WhatsApp groups promoted in such videos, reiterating that the media is entirely fabricated by scammers. Police also advised residents to exercise caution when encountering suspicious social media posts and to alert family and friends to the prevalence of such online scams.