SINGAPORE / EuroWire.IO / – INTERPOL initiated a public awareness initiative on Monday, October 19, emphasizing the increasing threat posed by crimes that utilize AI-created or AI-modified media to deceive the public. The campaign includes three short videos, all produced with artificial intelligence, demonstrating how synthetic media, often called deepfakes, can be exploited to mislead individuals. The primary message encourages the audience to “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.” The effort targets both ordinary citizens and law enforcement agencies.
These videos portray scenarios such as a criminal impersonating a supervisor, cloning of a woman’s voice, and an online-constructed fake romantic identity. INTERPOL explained that generative AI tools and the large language models powering them are advancing rapidly in sophistication. Such tools no longer require extensive technical knowledge or significant investment, enabling the creation of hyper-realistic avatars capable of human-like communication, as well as the ability to replicate a person’s face or voice from minimal online content.
According to INTERPOL, public awareness about how deepfakes are exploited for criminal activities remains limited. Previously, synthetic media crimes were primarily associated with threats against prominent figures. However, they are now increasingly targeting private individuals through schemes like investment fraud, impersonation, romance scams, sextortion, deepfake pornography, and disinformation campaigns. Scams may involve a video call from a supposed colleague requesting a bank transfer or a call from a distressed family member. Past reports have also warned that criminal groups use AI for cybercrime and fraud.
Familiar warning signs are disappearing
Toshinobu Yasuhira, the Director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, stated that “AI is erasing the tell-tale signs of a scam.” He pointed out that errors like spelling mistakes, branding inconsistencies, and awkward formatting are quickly becoming rare indicators. Yasuhira emphasized that anyone can fall victim, regardless of age, location, or sector. INTERPOL’s initiative aims to equip both law enforcement and the public with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify these threats early. UNICEF has separately linked children’s use of AI to learning and safety concerns.
INTERPOL indicated that the main goal of these scams is to steal money or sensitive personal data. They highlighted 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 swiftly, citing personal crises or family emergencies. Scammers also use fear, distress, or secrecy to prevent targets from seeking advice. Requests for payments through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards serve as additional red flags.
Advice includes using safe words and two-factor authentication
INTERPOL also cautioned against online relationships that develop rapidly, with expressions of love and emotional dependence. Targets may be encouraged to shift conversations away from official dating platforms to evade monitoring or reporting systems. The agency recommended maintaining a calm and skeptical mindset, even if one believes they are communicating with a trusted individual. Hanging up on unsolicited calls and reaching out through verified channels are advised. Consulting others about suspicious situations is also encouraged.
Families and close friends are urged to agree on a safe word or secret question to verify identities during dubious calls. It is also recommended to verify the online presence of new contacts and ensure profile photos have not been sourced elsewhere. Users should activate two-factor authentication across all online platforms. 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 stemming from synthetic media.