Viral AI Trend Gets Police Warning: ‘Potentially Dangerous’

Published: October 15, 2025

By India McCarty

Police departments issue warnings about a new AI prank that tricks loved ones into thinking a stranger has broken into their home.

“The prank involves using artificial intelligence (AI) image generators to create hyper-realistic photos showing a supposed ‘homeless man’ inside someone’s home — sitting on a couch, eating in the kitchen or standing in a hallway,” Police1 explained. “Participants then send the AI-generated image to a family member or friend with alarming messages suggesting someone has entered the home.”

These videos have racked up millions of views and likes on TikTok, with many kids and teens sharing their parents’ reactions to the fake person being in the house.

While it is intended as a joke, many local police departments are warning people that their pranks have led to unnecessary emergency responses and the misuse of the 911 emergency line.

“Besides being in bad taste, there are many reasons why this prank is, to put it bluntly, stupid and potentially dangerous,” Salem, Massachusetts’ police force explained in a post to their website.

“This prank dehumanizes the homeless, causes the distressed recipient to panic and wastes police resources. Police officers who are called upon to respond do not know this is a prank and treat the call as an actual burglary in progress thus creating a potentially dangerous situation.”

In fact, a new trend has started — some TikTokers who took part in the trend are now posting follow-up videos of themselves talking to the police after they arrived to answer a 911 call.

Michigan’s West Bloomfield police department posted a warning on their Facebook page, writing, “While it may seem like a joke, this ‘prank’ isn’t funny and can: Cause panic, Lead to dangerous or violent reactions, Waste emergency resources”

“Parents: Please talk to your kids about the real consequences of these trends. What seems funny online could have serious emotional and or legal consequences,” they concluded.

New York’s Yonkers police also issued a warning, as well as recommending anyone who might suspect they’re the victim of this prank to double-check before they call 911.

“Make sure it’s real. Make sure your family members know you’re going to call 911 and to tell you THEN if it’s a prank, before it’s too late,” they said.

These kinds of online pranks might seem humorous, but they can have very real consequences. Parents of kids who spend time on TikTok should have conversations with their children about this prank trend, and why they should think twice before taking part in it.

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