SINGAPORE / EuroWire.IO / – INTERPOL initiated a widespread awareness effort on Monday, October 19, to address the rising danger of crimes involving AI-generated or manipulated media used to deceive the public. The campaign features three short videos, all produced using artificial intelligence. These videos demonstrate how synthetic media, often called deepfakes, can be employed to mislead individuals. The central message encourages viewers to “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.” This initiative targets both everyday citizens and law enforcement agencies.
The visual scenarios include a criminal impersonating a superior, cloning of a woman’s voice, and the creation of a false romantic identity online. INTERPOL noted that generative AI tools and the large language models powering them are advancing rapidly. These resources now require minimal technical expertise or financial investment. They are capable of generating highly realistic avatars with human-like language capabilities and can even reproduce a person’s face or voice from limited online content.
According to INTERPOL, public awareness about the criminal use of deepfakes remains low. While synthetic media crimes were initially viewed primarily as threats to public figures, they are increasingly directed at private individuals through scams involving investments, impersonation, romance fraud, sextortion, deepfake pornography, and disinformation. Scammers may pose as colleagues requesting bank transfers via video call or as distressed relatives. Past reports have indicated that criminal groups use AI to facilitate cybercrime and fraud.
Signs of deception are becoming less obvious
Toshinobu Yasuhira, Director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, emphasized that “AI is erasing the tell-tale signs of a scam.” He explained that typical red flags like spelling errors, inconsistent branding, and awkward formatting are quickly disappearing. Yasuhira stressed that anyone can be vulnerable, regardless of age, location, or profession. INTERPOL’s goal is to equip both law enforcement and the public with knowledge and resources to identify these threats early. UNICEF has also separately linked children’s use of AI to risks associated with learning and safety.
INTERPOL pointed out that these scams primarily aim to steal money or sensitive personal data. Several warning signs for the public include unsolicited contact from unfamiliar individuals or those claiming to be friends, relatives, or trusted organizations. Victims are often pressured into acting quickly by claims of emergencies or personal crises. Scammers also rely on fear, distress, or secrecy to prevent targets from seeking advice. Requests for payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards serve as additional red flags.
Recommendations include using safe words and two-factor authentication
INTERPOL also cautioned against rapidly escalating online relationships, which may involve declarations of love and emotional dependence. Targets might be urged to shift conversations away from official dating platforms to avoid detection. The agency recommends maintaining calm and skepticism, even if communications seem trustworthy. People should end unsolicited calls and verify identities through known, secure channels. Consulting others about suspicious interactions is also advised.
INTERPOL encourages families and close friends to establish a safe word or secret question to confirm identities during suspicious calls. It also recommends scrutinizing new contacts’ online profiles, ensuring profile images are not stolen, and activating two-factor authentication on all accounts. This campaign is part of Project SynthWave PLUS, funded by the Government of Japan, which supports law enforcement efforts in Southeast Asia and beyond against threats posed by synthetic media.