SINGAPORE / EuroWire.IO / – INTERPOL has introduced a public awareness initiative on Monday, October 19, to address the increasing danger posed by crimes utilizing AI-generated or AI-modified media to deceive individuals. This campaign showcases three brief videos, all produced with artificial intelligence, demonstrating how synthetic media, often called deepfakes, can be exploited to mislead victims. The central message encourages the public to “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.” The campaign targets both ordinary citizens and law enforcement authorities.
These videos illustrate various scenarios such as a scammer impersonating a superior, the replication of a woman’s voice, and a fabricated romantic identity established online. INTERPOL noted that generative AI tools and the large language models behind them are rapidly becoming more advanced every day. These tools no longer demand extensive technical expertise or financial investment. They are capable of creating highly realistic avatars equipped with human-like language abilities and can even reproduce a person’s face or voice from minimal online content.
According to INTERPOL, public awareness of how deepfakes are weaponized in criminal activities remains limited. Initially considered a threat mainly to prominent figures, synthetic media crimes now increasingly affect private individuals through scams involving investments, impersonation, romantic fraud, sextortion, deepfake pornography, and disinformation. A typical scam might 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.
Signs of deception are becoming less obvious
Toshinobu Yasuhira, Director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, stated, “AI is erasing the tell-tale signs of a scam.” He explained that spelling errors, inconsistent branding, and awkward formatting are rapidly disappearing as warning indicators. Yasuhira emphasized that anyone can fall victim, regardless of age, location, or sector. INTERPOL’s objective is to equip both police and the public with the knowledge and tools needed to identify these threats before harm occurs. UNICEF has also separately linked children’s use of AI to safety and learning risks.
INTERPOL pointed out that the main goal of these scams is to steal money or sensitive personal information. They highlighted several red flags, including unsolicited contact from strangers or individuals claiming to be friends, family, or trusted organizations. Victims are often pressured to act immediately, citing personal crises or emergencies. Scammers also rely on fear, distress, and secrecy to prevent targets from seeking advice. Requests for payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrencies, or gift cards are additional warning signs.
Recommendations include safe words and two-factor authentication
INTERPOL also issued warnings about online relationships that escalate rapidly, with expressions of love and emotional dependence. Victims might be encouraged to shift conversations away from official dating platforms to evade monitoring and reporting systems. The agency advised individuals to stay calm and skeptical, even if they believe they are communicating with someone trustworthy. It recommends hanging up on unsolicited calls and reaching out through verified contacts. Discussing suspicions with others is also advised.
INTERPOL encouraged families and close friends to establish a safe word or secret question for identity verification during suspicious calls. It also suggested checking the online profiles of new contacts and verifying that profile pictures are original and not sourced elsewhere. Users are advised to enable two-factor authentication on all 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 posed by synthetic media.