SINGAPORE / EuroWire.IO / – INTERPOL rolled out a campaign on Monday, October 19, to alert the public about the increasing danger posed by crimes involving AI-generated or AI-modified media. The initiative features three brief videos, which were themselves produced using artificial intelligence. These clips demonstrate how synthetic media, often called deepfakes, can be used to deceive individuals. The central message encourages viewers to “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.” The campaign targets both everyday citizens and law enforcement agencies.
The videos illustrate scenarios such as a scammer impersonating a boss, a woman’s voice being cloned, and an online-created fake romantic identity. INTERPOL stated that generative AI tools and the large language models powering them are becoming more advanced daily. These tools no longer require extensive technical knowledge or significant investment. They are capable of creating highly realistic avatars with human-like language abilities. Additionally, they can mimic a person’s face or voice from only a small sample of online content.
According to INTERPOL, public awareness of how deepfakes are exploited in criminal activities remains limited. Initially, synthetic media crimes were mainly associated with threats against public figures. However, these crimes now increasingly target private citizens through various schemes such as investment fraud, impersonation, romance scams, sextortion, deepfake pornography, and disinformation campaigns. These scams might involve a video call from a supposed colleague requesting a bank transfer or a distressed call from a relative. Earlier reports have also warned that criminal groups use AI to facilitate cybercrime and fraud.
Recognizable warning signs are becoming less evident
Toshinobu Yasuhira, Director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, commented, “AI is erasing the tell-tale signs of a scam.” He explained that clues such as spelling errors, inconsistent branding, or awkward formatting are quickly disappearing. Yasuhira emphasized that anyone can fall prey to these schemes, regardless of age, location, or sector. INTERPOL’s efforts aim to equip 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 safety and learning risks.
INTERPOL highlighted that the main goal of these scams is to steal money or personal information. They provided several warning signs for the public, such as unsolicited contact from strangers or individuals claiming to be friends, relatives, or trusted organizations. Victims are often pressured to act quickly, citing personal crises or family emergencies. Scammers also utilize fear, distress, or demands for secrecy to prevent targets from seeking advice. Requests for payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrencies, or gift cards are typical red flags.
Using safe words and enabling two-factor authentication is recommended
INTERPOL also issued warnings about online relationships that develop rapidly, with expressions of love and emotional dependence. Targets may be encouraged to shift conversations away from official dating sites to avoid monitoring and reporting mechanisms. The agency advised people to remain calm and skeptical, even if they think they are speaking with someone trustworthy. It is recommended to hang up on unsolicited calls and contact the person through a verified, known channel. Discussing suspicious situations with others is also advisable.
INTERPOL encouraged families and close friends to agree on a safe word or secret question to verify identities during suspicious calls. It also suggested checking the online presence of new contacts and ensuring profile photos are not stolen from elsewhere. Users should enable two-factor authentication on all their online accounts. This campaign is part of Project SynthWave PLUS, funded by the Government of Japan, which supports law enforcement agencies in Southeast Asia and beyond in combating threats related to synthetic media.