SINGAPORE / EuroWire.IO / – The global law enforcement body INTERPOL has initiated a public awareness effort to alert people about scams involving AI-manipulated or AI-produced media. Announced on Monday, October 19, the campaign is centered on three brief videos, which themselves were created using artificial intelligence. These clips demonstrate how synthetic media, commonly called deepfakes, can be weaponized against unsuspecting individuals. Their core message urges the audience to “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.” INTERPOL, representing 196 member countries, noted that general awareness of this threat remains limited.
One clip depicts a scammer impersonating a boss, while others feature a synthesized female voice and a fabricated romantic partner. INTERPOL explained that generative AI applications and large language models powering them are becoming increasingly sophisticated each day. Crafting convincing fake media no longer requires advanced technical expertise or significant expense. These tools are capable of creating hyper-realistic avatars that speak as convincingly as real humans. They can imitate a person’s face or voice with only minimal material sourced from online sources.
Initially, deepfake-related crime was mainly considered a threat to prominent figures. However, it is now increasingly affecting private citizens through schemes such as investment fraud, impersonation, romance scams, sextortion, deepfake pornography, and disinformation. Victims may, for example, receive a video call from someone pretending to be a colleague requesting a bank transfer. Others might get a call from a family member in distress. All these tactics aim to steal money or sensitive personal data. Previous reports have indicated that criminal groups use AI for cybercrime and fraud.
Warning Signs as AI Eliminates Traditional Scam Clues
Toshinobu Yasuhira, director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, highlighted that AI is erasing many classic indicators of fraud. Mistakes such as spelling errors, inconsistent branding, and awkward formatting are quickly becoming outdated as warning signals, he said. Yasuhira emphasized that people of all ages, regions, and sectors can be targeted. INTERPOL’s efforts aim to equip both law enforcement and the public with knowledge and tools to detect these emerging threats early. In December 2024, the United Nations adopted a landmark cybercrime treaty to bolster international cooperation against such crimes.
INTERPOL advised the public to be cautious of unsolicited contacts from unknown individuals or those claiming to be friends, family, or reputable organizations. Such interactions often quickly shift to requesting personal details, bank information, or money. A common warning sign is pressure to respond immediately, especially if accompanied by a personal crisis or family emergency. Scammers often use fear, distress, or secrecy to prevent targets from seeking advice. Demands for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards should raise suspicion, as these forms of funds are difficult to trace.
Confirm Identities and Establish a Security Protocol
Rapidly escalating online relationships, with expressions of love or emotional dependence, can also indicate a scam. Victims might be encouraged to leave official dating platforms, where monitoring and reporting are possible. INTERPOL suggested remaining calm and skeptical, taking time to evaluate any requests, even from individuals they believe they know. Discussing the situation with others can be helpful. For unsolicited calls, hanging up and contacting the person through a verified channel is recommended.
The agency also advised families and close friends to agree on a safe word or secret question to verify identities during suspicious conversations. Checking the online profiles of new contacts and verifying that profile pictures are not copied from elsewhere can help prevent deception. Enabling two-factor authentication on all online accounts is strongly recommended. 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 from synthetic media.