SINGAPORE / EuroWire.IO / – INTERPOL has initiated a public awareness drive on Monday, October 19, emphasizing the rising threat posed by crimes utilizing AI-generated or manipulated media to deceive the public. The campaign features three brief videos, all produced using artificial intelligence, demonstrating how synthetic media, often referred to as deepfakes, can be exploited to trick individuals. Its main message encourages viewers to “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.” This initiative targets not only ordinary citizens but also law enforcement agencies.
The videos portray scenarios such as a criminal impersonating a superior, cloning a woman’s voice, and creating an online false romantic identity. INTERPOL noted that generative AI tools and the large language models driving them are becoming more advanced daily. These tools no longer demand extensive technical expertise or substantial investment. They can generate hyper-realistic avatars with human-like language abilities and can even replicate a person’s face or voice from minimal online content.
According to INTERPOL, awareness among the public regarding the use of deepfakes in criminal activity remains limited. Previously associated mainly with threats to public figures, synthetic media crimes now increasingly target private individuals through investment fraud, impersonation, romance scams, sextortion, deepfake pornography, and disinformation. Scams may involve a video call from a supposed colleague requesting a bank transfer or a call from a distressed relative. Earlier reports have warned that criminal groups use AI for cybercrime and fraud.
Indicators of deception are fading
Toshinobu Yasuhira, Director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, explained, “AI is erasing the tell-tale signs of a scam.” He pointed out that spelling errors, inconsistent branding, and awkward formatting are rapidly disappearing as warning signs. Yasuhira stressed that anyone can fall prey, regardless of age, location, or profession. INTERPOL’s efforts aim to equip both police and the public with knowledge and resources to identify these threats before harm occurs. UNICEF has also linked children’s use of AI to safety and learning risks.
INTERPOL explained that these scams primarily aim to steal money or sensitive personal data. The organization listed several warning signs, including unsolicited contact from strangers or individuals claiming to be friends, relatives, or trusted entities. Victims are often pressured to act immediately, citing personal crises or family emergencies. Scammers also leverage fear, distress, and secrecy to prevent targets from seeking advice. Requests for payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards are additional red flags.
Use of safe words and two-factor authentication recommended
INTERPOL also issued warnings about online relationships that escalate rapidly, with declarations of love and emotional dependence. Targets might be urged to move conversations from official dating platforms to less monitored channels to avoid detection. The agency recommends remaining calm and skeptical, even if the person seems trustworthy. It advises hanging up on unsolicited calls and contacting the individual through verified channels. Discussing suspicious situations with others is also encouraged.
INTERPOL recommended families and close friends agree on a safe word or secret question for verifying identities during suspicious calls. It also suggested reviewing new contacts’ online profiles and ensuring profile photos have not been sourced from elsewhere. Activating two-factor authentication on all online accounts is another important precaution. 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.