City of Clayton Warns Residents of AI-Generated Property Tax Scam

Dayton, OH, September 19, 2026 — The City of Clayton, Ohio, has issued a public alert to its residents regarding a sophisticated scam that utilizes artificial intelligence to create deceptive video content. The fraudulent material falsely promotes a nonexistent federal program purported to offer property tax freezes or reductions specifically for older homeowners.

In collaboration with the Ohio Department of Taxation, city officials are urging citizens to exercise caution and verify any information related to property tax relief programs. The scam is reportedly using AI-generated videos, which can appear highly convincing, to disseminate misinformation about this fabricated program.

The primary concern raised by the City of Clayton and the Ohio Department of Taxation is that individuals interacting with the scam may be tricked into divulging sensitive personal or financial information. Such information could then be exploited for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.

The specifics of how the AI-generated video is being distributed, such as through social media platforms, email, or other channels, were not detailed in the alert. Furthermore, the exact nature of the personal or financial information targeted by the scam, or the entities behind the fraudulent campaign, were also not provided.

Residents are advised to rely on official channels for accurate information regarding property taxes and any government assistance programs. The City of Clayton encourages anyone who believes they may have been targeted by this scam, or who has already shared personal information, to contact local law enforcement and relevant state agencies immediately. The Ohio Department of Taxation’s official website and contact lines are available resources for legitimate tax-related inquiries.

The creation and dissemination of AI-generated deepfakes for fraudulent purposes represent a growing challenge for public safety and consumer protection efforts. Authorities are working to identify the source of these deceptive videos and to mitigate their impact on unsuspecting residents. The warning serves as a reminder for all individuals to remain vigilant against online and telephonic scams, particularly those promising financial benefits.

For verified information on property taxes and any available relief programs, residents should consult official government sources. The City of Clayton stated that no such federal program for property tax freezes or reductions for seniors is currently being promoted through official channels.

Story summarized from the original created by Mersadie Curtiss, WHIO.com on www.whio.com, see more information here.

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