"Homeless Man Broke Into My Friend's House": Surge in Reports Prompts U.S. Police to Plead, "Please Stop"

Fake "Homeless Man" Photos Go Viral on Social Media
911 Reports Emerge... "Could Lead to Dangerous Situations"

Recently in the United States, a prank using images of "homeless men" generated by artificial intelligence (AI) has been spreading, prompting police to issue warnings, calling it a "dangerous prank that could threaten lives."

The recent viral challenge on social media using artificial intelligence called the 'AI Homeless Prank' challenge. Screenshot from TikTok

On October 17 (local time), international media outlets such as ABC News reported, "A prank is spreading on social media in which people send photos of homeless men, created with AI image generators, standing in front of a door to their acquaintances." Those who initiate the prank send these photos to friends or family to startle them, then record and share online the recipients' reactions-such as panicking or calling 911.

As this "AI intruder prank" has led to actual police dispatches, police departments in several regions across the United States have issued urgent warnings.

The Yonkers Police Department in New York State released an AI-generated intruder image on Facebook, stating, "There have been cases where these images are mistaken for real intruder reports, resulting in officers responding with lights and sirens." The department further warned, "If officers arrive first on the scene and do not realize the intruder is fake, both residents and police could be put in danger."

Waste of Emergency Resources, Spreading Fear... "Do Not Imitate Under Any Circumstances"

The Salem Police Department in Massachusetts also issued a warning after a series of similar reports. John Burke, a captain at the Salem Police Department, said in an interview with "Good Morning America," "This prank induces fear and actually wastes police and 911 center resources," emphasizing, "Making false emergency reports is a criminal offense."

Captain Burke explained, "There have been cases where someone believed their family was being threatened by a stranger and called 911," adding, "Such pranks cause misunderstandings and can lead to dangerous situations."

Additionally, the Salem Police Department pointed out in a statement that this trend mocks homeless people and spreads fear, calling it "an unethical act that infringes on the human rights of others."

The police urged, "If you are considering trying this as a harmless prank, think again," adding, "It wastes emergency resources and could result in criminal liability. Do not imitate under any circumstances."