SINGAPORE / EuroWire.IO / – INTERPOL has launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness about the increasing dangers associated with crimes involving AI-generated or AI-manipulated media. Announced on Monday, October 19, the initiative underscores the escalating threat posed by AI-enabled scams. The campaign features three short videos, created using artificial intelligence, demonstrating how synthetic media, often referred to as deepfakes, can be exploited to deceive individuals. Its main message encourages the public to “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.” The outreach targets both ordinary citizens and law enforcement agencies.
These videos portray scenarios such as a criminal impersonating a boss, cloning a woman’s voice, and fabricating an online romantic identity. INTERPOL noted that generative AI tools and the large language models driving them are becoming more advanced daily. These technologies no longer require extensive technical expertise or large investments. They can produce highly realistic avatars with human-like communication skills, as well as replicate a person’s face or voice using minimal online content.
According to INTERPOL, the general public’s awareness of how deepfakes are exploited for criminal purposes remains limited. While synthetic media crime was once primarily associated with threats to public figures, it now increasingly targets private individuals through schemes such as investment fraud, impersonation, romance scams, sextortion, deepfake pornography, and disinformation. A scam could involve a fake video call from someone pretending to be a coworker requesting a bank transfer, or a distressed call from a relative. Prior reports have warned that criminal groups use AI to facilitate cybercrime and fraud.
Signs of deception are becoming less obvious
Toshinobu Yasuhira, Director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, commented, “AI is erasing the tell-tale signs of a scam.” He explained that spelling errors, inconsistent branding, and awkward formatting are rapidly disappearing as indicators of fraudulent activity. Yasuhira emphasized that anyone can fall victim, regardless of age, location, or profession. INTERPOL’s goal is to equip law enforcement and the public with the knowledge and resources needed to identify these threats early. Separately, UNICEF has linked children’s use of AI to learning and safety concerns.
INTERPOL highlighted that these scams primarily aim to steal money or sensitive personal information. They identified key warning signs for the public, including unsolicited contact from strangers or individuals claiming to be friends, relatives, or trusted organizations. Victims are often pressured to act swiftly, citing personal crises or family emergencies. Scammers also leverage fear, distress, and secrecy to prevent targets from seeking advice. Requests for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards are additional red flags.
Implementing safe practices such as code words and two-factor authentication
The agency also cautioned against online relationships that develop too quickly, with expressions of love and emotional dependency. Targets might be encouraged to move conversations away from official dating platforms to evade monitoring and reporting mechanisms. INTERPOL advises maintaining a cautious and skeptical attitude, even when communicating with someone trusted. It recommends hanging up on unsolicited calls and reaching out through verified channels. Discussing suspicious situations with others is also encouraged.
Families and close friends are encouraged to agree on a safe word or a secret question to verify identities during questionable calls. Checking the online presence of new contacts and ensuring profile photos are original rather than stolen is also advised. 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 the threats posed by synthetic media.