SINGAPORE / EuroWire.IO / – INTERPOL announced the launch of a significant public awareness initiative on Monday, October 19, emphasizing the rising danger posed by crimes involving AI-generated or AI-modified media used to deceive individuals. The campaign features a trio of brief videos, which themselves were produced using artificial intelligence. They demonstrate how synthetic media, often called deepfakes, can be exploited to trick victims. The main message encourages the audience to “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.” The outreach is directed at both everyday citizens and law enforcement authorities.
The videos portray scenarios such as a criminal impersonating a boss, cloning a woman’s voice, and creating a fake romantic profile online. INTERPOL pointed out that generative AI tools and the large language models powering them are becoming increasingly advanced each day. These technologies no longer demand extensive technical expertise or large investments. They are capable of producing highly realistic avatars with human-like linguistic abilities, and can even mimic a real 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 mainly associated with threats to prominent figures. Currently, however, they more frequently target private individuals through scams involving investments, impersonation, romance scams, sextortion, deepfake pornography, and disinformation. Victims might receive a video call claiming to be a colleague requesting a bank transfer, or a distressed call from a relative. Earlier reports have warned that criminal groups use AI for cybercrime and fraud.
Indicators of deception are becoming harder to spot
Toshinobu Yasuhira, the Director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, explained that “AI is erasing the tell-tale signs of a scam.” He noted that signs like spelling errors, inconsistent branding, and awkward formatting are rapidly disappearing as warning cues. Yasuhira emphasizes that anyone can fall prey, regardless of age, location, or profession. INTERPOL’s objective is to equip law enforcement and the public with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify these threats before harm occurs. UNICEF has also separately linked children’s use of AI to learning and safety concerns.
The organization highlighted that the ultimate goal of these scams is to steal money or gain access to sensitive personal data. INTERPOL listed several warning signs for the public to watch for, such as unsolicited contact from unfamiliar individuals or those claiming to be friends, relatives, or trusted organizations. Victims often feel pressured to act immediately, citing personal crises or family emergencies. Scammers frequently employ fear, distress, or demands for secrecy to discourage victims from consulting others. Requests for payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards are additional red flags.
Advice includes safe words and two-factor authentication
INTERPOL also issued warnings about online relationships that escalate rapidly, with declarations of love and emotional dependence. Targets may be encouraged to move discussions away from official dating platforms to evade monitoring and reporting systems. The agency recommends maintaining composure and skepticism, even when interacting with someone they believe to be trustworthy. People are advised to hang up on unsolicited calls and verify identities through known, secure channels. It is also recommended to discuss suspicious situations with others.
Furthermore, INTERPOL encouraged families and close friends to agree on a safe word or secret question to confirm identities during suspicious calls. Checking the online profiles of new contacts and ensuring that profile images are not sourced from elsewhere is also advised. Users should activate 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 to combat threats posed by synthetic media.