SINGAPORE / EuroWire.IO / – INTERPOL initiated a campaign on Monday, October 19, to raise awareness about the increasing threat posed by crimes involving AI-generated or AI-modified media used to deceive the public. The initiative includes three short videos, all crafted using artificial intelligence, demonstrating how synthetic media, often called deepfakes, can be exploited to mislead individuals. The central message encourages people to “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.” This effort targets both everyday citizens and law enforcement authorities.
The videos showcase scenarios such as a scammer impersonating a boss, the cloning of a woman’s voice, and a fabricated online romantic identity. INTERPOL noted that generative AI tools and the large language models they rely on are becoming increasingly advanced daily. These tools now require little technical expertise or investment, enabling the creation of hyper-realistic avatars with human-like language skills, as well as the ability to mimic a person’s face or voice from limited online content.
According to INTERPOL, public awareness about the criminal use of deepfakes remains limited. Initially perceived as a threat mainly to high-profile figures, synthetic media crimes now increasingly affect private individuals through various schemes including investment fraud, impersonation, romance scams, sextortion, deepfake pornography, and disinformation. Scammers might, for example, initiate a video call pretending to be a colleague requesting a bank transfer or pose as a distressed relative. Previous reports have also warned that criminal groups use AI for cybercrime and fraud purposes.
Signs of deception are fading away
Toshinobu Yasuhira, Director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, explained, “AI is erasing the tell-tale signs of a scam.” He noted that indicators like spelling errors, inconsistent branding, and awkward formatting are quickly disappearing as warning signs. Yasuhira emphasized that anyone can become a victim, regardless of age, location, or profession. INTERPOL’s efforts aim to equip both law enforcement and the public with knowledge and tools to detect these threats early. Additionally, UNICEF has separately linked children’s use of AI to learning and safety risks.
The organization stated that these scams are primarily designed to steal money or sensitive personal data. They highlighted several red flags, including unsolicited contact from unknown individuals or those claiming to be friends, relatives, or trusted organizations. Victims are often pressured to act immediately, with scammers citing personal crises or family emergencies. Scammers also manipulate fear, distress, or demand secrecy to prevent targets from seeking advice. Requests for payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards are common warning signs.
Using safe words and two-factor authentication recommended
INTERPOL also cautioned against online relationships that escalate quickly, with declarations of love and emotional dependency. Targets may be encouraged to shift conversations away from official dating platforms to avoid monitoring. The agency advised maintaining a skeptical attitude and staying calm, even if you believe the person you’re speaking with is genuine. It is recommended to hang up on unsolicited calls and verify the identity through a trusted, confirmed channel. Consulting others about the situation is also advised.
INTERPOL encouraged families and close friends to establish a safe word or secret question for verifying identities during suspicious calls. It also suggested reviewing the online profiles of new contacts and ensuring profile photos are not stolen from elsewhere. Users should 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 counter threats related to synthetic media.