US Police Warn Against Viral AI-Generated Homeless Man Prank Causing False Intrusion Reports

A viral TikTok trend known as the "AI Homeless Man Prank" involves sending AI-generated images or videos of a disheveled homeless man appearing inside a home to loved ones, causing panic and leading to numerous false 911 calls. Police departments across multiple states, including New York, Michigan, and Wisconsin, have issued warnings about the prank due to its strain on emergency services and the safety risks it poses to both responders and families. Advocates and law enforcement condemn the trend for perpetuating harmful stereotypes that homeless individuals are dangerous intruders, despite evidence showing that homeless people are more often victims rather than perpetrators of violence. Experts highlight how accessible AI technology facilitates the creation of realistic but fake content, which is then misused for entertainment at the expense of public safety and social stigma. Authorities emphasize that these pranks waste valuable police resources and can escalate into dangerous situations, urging the public to stop sharing such misleading content. The trend has sparked a broader conversation about the ethical implications of AI-generated media and its impact on vulnerable communities.