Tamil Nadu Police Probe AI Video Impersonating Vijay In Financial Assistance Scam

An AI-generated deepfake video impersonating Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and falsely offering financial assistance has triggered a scam alert from the Tamil Nadu Police. The video, which carries Hindi audio, directs viewers seeking financial help to contact a WhatsApp number, prompting authorities to warn the public against responding to such messages.

The Tamil Nadu Crime Branch-CID’s Cyber Crime Cell detected the video during routine cyber patrolling. Police noted that artificial intelligence had been used to make it appear as though Vijay was directly addressing the public. Authorities have registered a case after determining that the content was allegedly created and circulated with the intention of deceiving people.

A special report on the fake video was submitted on September 1, following which the Cyber Crime Cell registered a case the same day. Investigators have approached Meta seeking information connected to the fake Facebook account used to circulate the material, including relevant logs. A request has also been initiated to remove the fake video from the platform.

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Preliminary findings indicate that the incident is part of a wider pattern, with several similar AI-generated videos portraying Vijay as offering financial assistance reportedly circulating on Facebook and other social media platforms. Police have also identified multiple accounts that they describe as purportedly based in Pakistan. However, the investigation remains underway to establish the identities of those responsible and determine the wider network involved.

The police have urged social media users not to respond to phone numbers or join WhatsApp groups promoted through such videos. Authorities stressed that the videos are fabricated deepfakes and do not represent genuine financial assistance schemes. Efforts are continuing to remove the misleading content from online platforms and prevent further circulation.

The Tamil Nadu Police has also appealed to the public to remain vigilant about AI-generated impersonation scams and inform family members about the risks. Officials have advised people to independently verify financial assistance offers rather than relying on videos or social media accounts appearing to feature public figures.

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