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Local police warn TikTokers against pulling ‘AI homeless man prank’
The viral trend uses AI-generated images to trick people into believing there’s an intruder in their home.
Salem police are warning pranksters against a “stupid and potentially dangerous” social media trend that uses AI-generated images of a disheveled stranger to trick people into believing there’s an intruder in their home.
The so-called “AI Homeless Man Prank” has spawned thousands of videos wherein an unsuspecting target — typically a parent, spouse, or friend — is led to believe that a stranger made themselves at home by snagging a snack from the fridge, laying down for a nap, or even borrowing a toothbrush.
“The man is refusing to leave, and the prankster is in fear of the ‘intruder,’” the Salem Police Department explained in an advisory last week. “The setting of the home is real — the ‘homeless man’ is not.”
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In several cases, according to Salem police, “those who received these AI generated images and commentary sincerely believed that there was an actual intruder in their home and called 9-1-1 to report a burglary or breaking and entering in progress which necessitated an immediate police response.”
Other law enforcement agencies from around the world have issued similar warnings as the prank gains traction online.
“Besides being in bad taste, there are many reasons why this prank is, to put it bluntly, stupid and potentially dangerous,” Salem police said. “This prank dehumanizes the homeless, causes the distressed recipient to panic and wastes police resources.”
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The prank can also create a “potentially dangerous situation” for police officers who respond to the call thinking there’s an actual burglary in progress, the department noted.
Pranksters are “highly advised” to brush up on state law regarding the transmission of false information to public safety officials — a crime punishable by up to 2 1/2 years in prison or a maximum fine of $1,000, Salem police added.
“Think Of The Consequences Before You Prank,” the department warned.
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