SINGAPORE / EuroWire.IO / – INTERPOL has launched an awareness initiative on Monday, October 19, to address the increasing threat posed by crimes involving AI-generated or AI-modified media used to deceive the public. The campaign features three brief videos, all produced with artificial intelligence, demonstrating how synthetic media, often called deepfakes, can be exploited to trick victims. The core message emphasizes to the audience to “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.”. This effort targets both everyday citizens and law enforcement authorities.
The videos illustrate scenarios such as a scammer impersonating a boss, cloning a woman’s voice, and creating an online fake romantic persona. According to INTERPOL, generative AI tools and the advanced language models driving them are becoming more refined daily. These tools now require minimal technical expertise or financial investment. They are capable of producing highly realistic avatars with human-like language abilities, as well as recreating a real individual’s face or voice from limited online content.
INTERPOL notes that the public’s understanding of how deepfakes are employed in criminal activities remains limited. Previously, synthetic media crimes were primarily associated with threats against public figures; however, they are increasingly targeting private citizens through schemes such as investment fraud, impersonation, romance scams, sextortion, deepfake pornography, and disinformation. Examples include a scammer posing as a colleague during a video call requesting a bank transfer or pretending to be a distressed family member. Reports have previously indicated that criminal groups use AI for cybercrime and fraud.
Recognizable warning signs are fading
Toshinobu Yasuhira, Director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, explained, “AI is erasing the tell-tale signs of a scam.” He added that traditional red flags like spelling errors, inconsistent branding, or awkward formatting are quickly disappearing. Yasuhira emphasized that anyone, regardless of age, location, or profession, can become a target. INTERPOL’s initiative aims to equip both law enforcement and the general public with the knowledge and tools necessary to detect these dangers early. UNICEF has also separately linked children’s use of AI to learning and safety concerns.
The organization states that these scams ultimately seek to steal money or sensitive personal data. Common warning signs include unsolicited contact from an unknown individual or someone claiming to be a friend, relative, or trusted entity. Victims often feel pressured to act immediately, citing personal crises or family emergencies. Scammers also employ fear, distress, or secrecy to prevent targets from consulting others. Requests for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards are additional red flags.
Recommendations include safe words and two-factor authentication
INTERPOL also issued warnings about online interactions that escalate rapidly, with declarations of love and emotional dependence. Victims may be encouraged to shift conversations away from official dating sites to evade monitoring or reporting. The agency advises remaining calm and skeptical, even when convinced they are talking to someone trustworthy. It recommends hanging up on unsolicited calls and contacting the individual through verified, known channels. Consulting others about suspicious situations is also encouraged.
Families and close friends are advised to agree on a safe word or secret question to confirm identities during dubious calls. Checking the online profiles of new contacts and ensuring their photos are not stolen from elsewhere is also recommended. 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 efforts in Southeast Asia and beyond against threats posed by synthetic media.