SINGAPORE / EuroWire.IO / – INTERPOL initiated a public education effort on Monday, October 19, to raise awareness about the increasing danger posed by crimes involving AI-produced or altered media used to defraud the public. The campaign features three brief videos, all generated with artificial intelligence. They demonstrate how synthetic media, often called deepfakes, can be exploited to deceive individuals. The key message encourages viewers to “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.” This initiative targets both everyday citizens and law enforcement authorities.
These videos illustrate situations such as a criminal impersonating a boss, cloning a woman’s voice, and creating a fake romantic identity online. INTERPOL states that generative AI tools and the large language models behind them are advancing rapidly. These tools no longer need extensive technical expertise or significant investment. They can produce highly realistic avatars capable of human-like speech. Additionally, they can recreate a person’s face or voice from a small amount of online content.
INTERPOL highlights that the general public still has limited understanding of how deepfakes are used in criminal activities. Previously, synthetic media crimes mainly targeted public figures. Today, private citizens face threats through investment scams, impersonation, romance scams, sextortion, deepfake pornography, and disinformation. Scammers might pose as a colleague requesting a bank transfer via video call or as a distressed relative. Past reports have warned that criminal groups use AI for cybercrime and fraud.
Warning signs are becoming less obvious
Toshinobu Yasuhira, Director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, explained, “AI is erasing the tell-tale signs of a scam.” He noted that spelling errors, inconsistent branding, and awkward formatting are quickly disappearing as red flags. Yasuhira emphasized that anyone can fall victim, regardless of age, location, or profession. INTERPOL aims to equip law enforcement and the public with knowledge and tools to identify these threats early. UNICEF separately linked children’s use of AI to learning and safety concerns.
INTERPOL pointed out that these scams primarily seek to steal money or personal data. Several warning signs for the public include unsolicited contacts from strangers or individuals claiming to be friends, relatives, or trusted organizations. Victims often face pressure to act immediately, citing personal crises or emergencies. Fear, distress, and demands for secrecy are tactics scammers use to prevent targets from consulting others. Requests for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards are also red flags.
Verification methods like safe words and two-factor authentication are recommended
INTERPOL warned about online relationships that escalate quickly, with declarations of love and emotional dependence. Targets may be urged to shift conversations away from official dating sites to avoid detection. The agency advises staying calm and skeptical, even when communication seems trustworthy. People should end unsolicited calls and verify contacts through known, secure channels. Discussing suspicious situations with others is also encouraged.
INTERPOL recommends families and friends agree on a secret word or question to confirm identities during suspicious calls. They should also check the online profiles of new contacts and ensure profile images are not taken from elsewhere. Enabling two-factor authentication on all accounts is advised. 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 from synthetic media.