Viral Hoax Using AI Images Prompts Police Warnings and Raises Safety Concerns
A disturbing new trend is rapidly spreading online, highlighting the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) combined with reckless behavior. Originating in the United States, the “fake homeless man’s prank” involves teenagers using image-generating tools - such as those found within Snapchat – to create incredibly realistic depictions of individuals experiencing homelessness.
These fabricated images are then presented to parents, often accompanied by a staged scenario like, “Mom, I just let him in to offer him a glass of water,” while secretly recording the parent’s reaction – including screams, panic, and threats – for posting on TikTok.
The hoax quickly whent viral, with videos garnering millions of views and comments. While some videos appear to be staged with parental consent, others depict genuinely terrified parents believing a stranger has entered their home. The trend has already escalated beyond virtual alarmism, prompting numerous emergency calls to police departments across the US.
In Texas, law enforcement officials warned that such hoaxes could even “activate a SWAT response,” potentially leading to a risky armed intervention by special teams. The Salem, Massachusetts police department has issued an official statement condemning the trend and emphasizing the risks associated with the misuse of AI technology.
Despite TikTok beginning to remove videos related to the prank, the speed at which these trends proliferate online makes platform moderation a significant challenge. This incident underscores a critical point: the same technology capable of fostering creativity and entertainment can become a dangerous tool in the wrong hands.
While the trend has not yet appeared in Italy, authorities are emphasizing the urgent need for education surrounding responsible AI usage, mirroring the importance of social media literacy. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the incredibly fine line between harmless amusement and irresponsible, potentially life-threatening actions.
