Yunlin Young Farmer''s Deepfake Image Used in Garlic Sales Scam, Public Urged Not to Fall for It
A young farmer in Yunlin, Lin Huang-chih, has had his image and voice deepfaked to promote and sell counterfeit garlic products online, with the origin falsely claimed as ''Shandong, China.'' He held a press conference with local politicians, urging the public to be wary of one-page websites and AI-generated videos, and to only purchase clearly labeled ''Made in Taiwan'' products to avoid scams and potential food safety issues. Eight victims have been identified so far, and politicians highlighted that this is part of a broader issue of deepfake scams targeting Taiwanese agricultural products.
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- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 18:33
- 🔍 Collected: May 6, 2026 at 19:01 (28 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 6, 2026 at 19:28 (26 min after Collected)
Central News Agency (Reporter Jiang Yi-ching, Yunlin County, 6th) Lin Huang-chih, a young farmer in Yunlin County who has been cultivating garlic for many years, stated today that he learned his personal image and voice were deepfaked and altered to sell agricultural products last year, after receiving calls from consumers who reported that the origin of the goods they received was ''Shandong, China.'' With new garlic set to hit the market this year, he urges the public not to be deceived.
Lin Huang-chih held a press conference today, accompanied by Yunlin County Councilors Tsai Yueh-ju and Yen Chia-wei of the Democratic Progressive Party, and county councilor candidate Kuo Pei-hsuan. The main theme was ''Don''t trust AI, or you''ll regret it,'' reminding everyone not to be scammed by one-page websites or AI-produced videos, and appealing to the public not to buy or consume products of unknown origin.
Lin Huang-chih recounted that last year, he received calls from consumers reflecting that they had purchased ''sweet and sour garlic and garlic paste products promoted by Lin Huang-chih online.'' However, after cash-on-delivery, the products'' origin was ''Shandong, China.''
He stated that consumers informed him they saw online videos and one-page websites, and that the online product prices were higher than his. He lamented the rampant fraud and emphasized that his own brand maintains strict quality control, selling only through the Yunlin County Government platform and his own channels. He has never endorsed any Chinese products, nor has he authorized his self-developed brand for use with Chinese products. Currently, eight victims are known.
Tsai Yueh-ju pointed out that Lin Huang-chih being deepfaked by AI is not an isolated case; similar situations have occurred with agricultural products like Miaoli red dates and Tainan mangoes. Unscrupulous merchants aim to undermine Taiwan''s agriculture, with the objective of harming Taiwan and causing people to lose trust in the government. He called on all sectors to address the issue and stated that the county government would assist farmers with diverse marketing efforts.
Yen Chia-wei said that usually, those who are counterfeited are outstanding and superior. Taiwanese-made products and agricultural produce are of top quality, which is why they are counterfeited by China. So far, he has not heard of any country counterfeiting Chinese brands, stating that China is a ''country of counterfeits.'' Furthermore, products of unknown origin may pose food safety issues, and he urged the government to take action.
Kuo Pei-hsuan emphasized that the problem of AI-altered images counterfeiting Taiwanese agricultural brands is becoming increasingly serious. She reminded the public to choose clearly labeled ''Made in Taiwan'' products to avoid wasting money and harming their health. (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 1150506
Lin Huang-chih held a press conference today, accompanied by Yunlin County Councilors Tsai Yueh-ju and Yen Chia-wei of the Democratic Progressive Party, and county councilor candidate Kuo Pei-hsuan. The main theme was ''Don''t trust AI, or you''ll regret it,'' reminding everyone not to be scammed by one-page websites or AI-produced videos, and appealing to the public not to buy or consume products of unknown origin.
Lin Huang-chih recounted that last year, he received calls from consumers reflecting that they had purchased ''sweet and sour garlic and garlic paste products promoted by Lin Huang-chih online.'' However, after cash-on-delivery, the products'' origin was ''Shandong, China.''
He stated that consumers informed him they saw online videos and one-page websites, and that the online product prices were higher than his. He lamented the rampant fraud and emphasized that his own brand maintains strict quality control, selling only through the Yunlin County Government platform and his own channels. He has never endorsed any Chinese products, nor has he authorized his self-developed brand for use with Chinese products. Currently, eight victims are known.
Tsai Yueh-ju pointed out that Lin Huang-chih being deepfaked by AI is not an isolated case; similar situations have occurred with agricultural products like Miaoli red dates and Tainan mangoes. Unscrupulous merchants aim to undermine Taiwan''s agriculture, with the objective of harming Taiwan and causing people to lose trust in the government. He called on all sectors to address the issue and stated that the county government would assist farmers with diverse marketing efforts.
Yen Chia-wei said that usually, those who are counterfeited are outstanding and superior. Taiwanese-made products and agricultural produce are of top quality, which is why they are counterfeited by China. So far, he has not heard of any country counterfeiting Chinese brands, stating that China is a ''country of counterfeits.'' Furthermore, products of unknown origin may pose food safety issues, and he urged the government to take action.
Kuo Pei-hsuan emphasized that the problem of AI-altered images counterfeiting Taiwanese agricultural brands is becoming increasingly serious. She reminded the public to choose clearly labeled ''Made in Taiwan'' products to avoid wasting money and harming their health. (Editor: Chen Ching-fang) 1150506