SINGAPORE / EuroWire.IO / – INTERPOL initiated a public awareness drive on Monday, October 19, to alert the public to the increasing threat posed by crimes involving AI-generated or AI-manipulated media used for scams. The campaign features three short videos, all created using artificial intelligence, illustrating how synthetic media—commonly known as deepfakes—can be exploited to deceive individuals. The main message encourages people to “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.” The initiative targets both everyday citizens and law enforcement agencies.
The videos portray scenarios such as a criminal impersonating a boss, cloning a woman’s voice, and creating a fictitious romantic identity online. INTERPOL explained that generative AI tools and the large language models behind them are becoming more advanced daily, with no need for extensive technical expertise or significant investment. These tools are capable of producing highly realistic avatars with human-like language capabilities and can recreate a person’s face or voice from minimal online content.
According to INTERPOL, public awareness of how deepfakes are employed in criminal activities remains limited. Previously, synthetic media crimes were mostly associated with threats to public figures, but they are now increasingly targeting ordinary individuals through scams involving investments, impersonation, romance fraud, sextortion, deepfake pornography, and disinformation. Examples include a fake video call from a supposed colleague asking for a bank transfer or a distress call from a relative. Earlier reports have warned that criminal groups use AI for cybercrime and fraud.
Early warning signs are fading
Toshinobu Yasuhira, Director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, stated, “AI is erasing the tell-tale signs of a scam,” noting that spelling errors, inconsistent branding, and awkward formatting are rapidly disappearing as indicators. Yasuhira emphasized that anyone can become a victim, regardless of age, location, or industry. INTERPOL’s goal is to equip law enforcement and the public with knowledge and tools to identify these threats before harm occurs. UNICEF has also separately linked children’s use of AI to safety and learning concerns.
The agency explained that these scams ultimately aim to steal money or sensitive personal data. Common red flags include unsolicited contact from strangers or individuals claiming to be friends, relatives, or trusted organizations. Victims often face pressure to act quickly, citing personal crises or family emergencies, while scammers use fear, distress, or secrecy to prevent targets from seeking advice. Requests for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards are also typical warning signs.
Verifying identities and staying cautious recommended
INTERPOL warned about relationships that escalate quickly online, with declarations of love and emotional dependence, encouraging targets to move conversations away from dating sites to avoid detection. The agency advised remaining calm and skeptical even if the person seems trustworthy, suggesting people hang up on unsolicited calls and verify the individual through known, official channels. Discussing suspicious situations with others is also recommended.
Families and friends are encouraged to agree on a safe word or secret question to confirm identities during suspicious calls. It is also advised to review the online profiles of new contacts to ensure profile photos aren’t stolen, and to enable two-factor authentication on all digital 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 to combat threats from synthetic media.