SINGAPORE / EuroWire.IO / – The global law enforcement body INTERPOL has initiated an awareness drive aimed at alerting the public to scams involving AI-generated or manipulated media. Announced on Monday, October 19, the campaign features three brief videos, all created using artificial intelligence technology. These clips demonstrate how synthetic media, commonly called deepfakes, can be exploited to deceive individuals unaware of the threat. The core message urges viewers to “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.” With 196 member countries, INTERPOL highlighted that general awareness about this danger remains insufficient.
One of the videos depicts a scammer impersonating a boss, while others showcase a cloned female voice and a fabricated romantic partner. INTERPOL pointed out that generative AI applications and the large language models that support them are advancing rapidly. The organization explained that creating realistic fake content no longer requires advanced technical expertise or significant financial investment. These tools are capable of producing hyper-realistic avatars that speak like real humans, and can replicate an individual’s face or voice using minimal internet-sourced material.
Initially, deepfake-related crimes were primarily viewed as threats targeting public figures. Today, however, private citizens are increasingly vulnerable to schemes involving investment fraud, impersonation, romance scams, sextortion, deepfake pornography, and disinformation campaigns. In practice, victims might receive a video call from someone posing as a colleague requesting a bank transfer. Others might get a call from a family member appearing to be in distress. The goal of each scam is to steal money or confidential personal data. Past reports confirm that criminal groups use AI to facilitate cybercrime and fraud.
Warning signs fade as AI eliminates traditional scam cues
Toshinobu Yasuhira, director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, emphasized that AI technology is eroding classic indicators of fraudulent activity. Common signs such as misspellings, inconsistent branding, or awkward formatting are becoming less reliable as warning signals, Yasuhira said. He added that individuals of all ages, regions, and sectors are vulnerable to these emerging threats. INTERPOL’s initiative aims to equip law enforcement agencies and the public with knowledge and tools to detect early signs of deception. In December 2024, the United Nations adopted a landmark cybercrime treaty to bolster international cooperation against these crimes.
The organization advised the public to remain cautious of unsolicited contact from unfamiliar individuals or those claiming to be friends, relatives, or trusted entities. These approaches often quickly shift toward requesting personal details, bank information, or money. An urgent call for action, often linked to personal crises or emergencies, is another red flag. Scammers may manipulate emotions through fear, distress, or secrecy, discouraging victims from seeking advice. Demands for payment via wire transfers, cryptocurrencies, or gift cards should be treated with suspicion, as these methods are difficult to trace.
Confirm identities and establish a secure verification method
Sudden intimacy in online interactions, such as declarations of love and emotional dependence, can also indicate a scam. Targets are often encouraged to leave official dating sites, where monitoring and reporting are more straightforward. INTERPOL recommended maintaining composure and skepticism, taking time to evaluate any requests, even if the individual seems familiar. Consulting others before acting can provide additional perspective. For unsolicited calls, hanging up and contacting the person through verified channels is advised.
The organization suggested families and close friends agree on a secret word or question to verify identities during suspicious conversations. Additionally, individuals should verify the online presence of new contacts and ensure profile images have not been copied from elsewhere. Enabling two-factor authentication on all online accounts is another recommended safety measure. This campaign is part of Project SynthWave PLUS, funded by the Government of Japan, which supports law enforcement agencies in Southeast Asia and beyond in countering threats posed by synthetic media.