(FOUNTAIN, Colo.) — The Fountain Police Department is warning of a new social media trend where people are pranking their friends, family members, or parents using AI-altered photos appearing to simulate an intruder in their home.
“A recent trend nicknamed the ‘AI Homeless Man Prank’ has been picking up in popularity on social media platforms such as TikTok,” read a Facebook post by FPD. “As part of that trend, someone uses artificial intelligence-based photo manipulation techniques to create fake images of an intruder inside a home, with the intent to scare family or roommates.”
The warning comes after FPD officers responded to a burglary call on Wednesday morning, Oct. 15, after a parent called 911 when she received a text from her daughter, which included a photo and message of, “Some strange guy just walked into the house asking to use the restroom.”
“The daughter sent her mother a picture of the male, whom the mother described as “homeless looking,” and then the mother was unable to get back in contact with her daughter,” FPD wrote.
FPD stated that due to the nature of the situation, every available police officer and detective responded to the home.
“When officers arrived, there was no response at the door. At that point, officers were preparing to make entry into the home,” wrote FPD. “Thankfully, the daughter came to the door and advised officers it was just a prank.”
FPD is urging parents to talk with their kids about the serious emotional and potential legal consequences of doing trends like this.
“While it may seem like a joke, this prank isn’t funny. These pranks cause panic to family members, have the potential for dangerous or violent reactions, and waste the time and resources of emergency responders,” police wrote.
FPD ended its warning with this: “Please ask questions of roommates or family members before calling 911 to report such an image. Make sure it’s real. Make sure your family members know you’re going to call 911 and they need to tell you then if it’s a prank, before it’s too late.”
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
