Deepfake eye scam a ‘public safety risk’

Auckland ophthalmologist Dr Divya Perumal has condemned a deepfake advertisement using her identity to sell an unapproved eye treatment, calling it a serious public safety risk. The AI-generated video, which also featured an AI clone of NBR reporter Mike McRoberts, falsely presented Perumal as endorsing a product claiming to restore eyesight and avoid conventional medical care. She discovered the scam four days ago after a member of the public sent her a link, noting the video used her voice, facial movements, and even footage from her clinic’s YouTube educational materials. Perumal, a New Zealand-trained glaucoma and cataract specialist, emphasized that she had no involvement with the product or advertisement. The scammers manipulated media to create a convincing fake endorsement, making it difficult for the public to recognize the deception. She expressed frustration and fear, stating that her professional reputation had been exploited to target vulnerable patients, including an elderly woman with end-stage glaucoma who attempted to purchase the fraudulent treatment. The advertisement falsely portrayed Perumal as criticizing her own profession, claiming medical professionals were suppressing information about a cheaper alternative. She stressed that the scam posed a reputational threat and a risk to patient safety, as individuals may avoid legitimate medical care in favor of the bogus product. Perumal, who consults at ReVision clinic in Mt Wellington and Auckland Hospital, has already taken steps to address the issue and protect her patients. The incident highlights the growing prevalence of AI-driven scams in New Zealand, where deepfake technology is being used to exploit trusted identities for fraudulent purposes. Perumal’s response underscores the need for greater awareness of deepfake risks and the importance of verifying sources before engaging with medical or financial advice online.