- Police in multiple states are warning about a TikTok trend showing AI-generated images of a homeless man inside homes.
- The prank has led to real 911 emergency calls from people who believe there is an actual intruder.
- Officers and officials have labeled the stunt dangerous and a waste of emergency resources.
- The trend has drawn criticism for dehumanizing homeless individuals and spreading AI-fueled misinformation.
- Social media platforms like TikTok have started labeling or removing these AI-generated videos to reduce confusion.
Police in states including Massachusetts and Texas are warning the public about a social media prank where AI-generated images make it appear as though a homeless man has entered a person’s house. According to officials, the viral videos have caused actual panic and prompted emergency calls, forcing police to respond as if the threats were real.
The Salem, Massachusetts Police Department described the trend as “stupid and potentially dangerous” in a public safety statement. They cited incidents where individuals, believing the images were true, called 911. Law enforcement in Round Rock, Texas also responded to several emergency calls after residents saw AI-created images of a supposed intruder in their homes.
“Besides being in bad taste, there are many reasons why this prank is, to put it bluntly, stupid and potentially dangerous,” the Salem police stated in their official alert. Round Rock Police have also warned that such hoaxes can tie up emergency resources and create unnecessary fear, as reported by Fox 7 Austin. Authorities in Texas are considering if those who knowingly share these doctored images could face false-reporting charges.
The prank, known online as the “AI homeless man prank,” has rapidly gained attention on platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat. Reports say teens are creating realistic pictures of strangers in people’s homes and sending them to family members to record their reactions, sometimes drawing millions of views. News outlets like ABC’s Good Morning America and The Verge have highlighted the risks, including wasted resources and potential danger.
TikTok has taken steps to address the issue, adding labels to some videos to clarify that the images are AI-generated, according to a statement reported by Yahoo News. The company also described possible removal of content and account bans when rules are violated, following regulations such as California’s AB 587.
Celebrities have also been affected by the prank. As detailed by People, some public figures and their families received fake photos, causing confusion and repeated calls for reassurance. Critics have argued the trend is disrespectful to vulnerable people and highlights the risk of AI-generated misinformation.
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