SINGAPORE / EuroWire.IO / – The global law enforcement agency INTERPOL has initiated a campaign to alert the public to scams involving AI-generated or AI-modified media. Announced on Monday, October 19, this effort centers on three brief videos, all produced with artificial intelligence. These clips demonstrate how synthetic media, commonly called deepfakes, can be exploited to target unsuspecting individuals. The campaign’s core message urges viewers to “Wait. Validate. Don’t take the bait.” INTERPOL, representing 196 member countries, highlighted that awareness of this threat remains limited.
One video depicts a scammer impersonating a boss, while others feature a synthesized female voice and a fabricated romantic partner. INTERPOL pointed out that generative AI applications and large language models powering them are improving rapidly. Producing convincing fake content no longer requires extensive technical expertise or significant expenditure. These tools can create highly realistic avatars that speak like humans and imitate a person’s face or voice using only a small amount of data sourced from the internet.
Initially, deepfake-related crimes were primarily seen as threats targeting public figures. However, they now increasingly affect private individuals through schemes such as investment fraud, impersonation, romance scams, sextortion, deepfake pornography, and disinformation. In practice, victims may receive a video call from someone claiming to be a colleague requesting a bank transfer. Others might be contacted by a relative appearing to be in danger. All these tactics aim to steal money or obtain personal information. Previous reports confirm that criminal groups use AI for cybercrime and fraud activities.
Indicators of deception vanish as AI advances
Toshinobu Yasuhira, director of the INTERPOL Innovation Centre, explained that AI is erasing traditional warning signs of fraud. Mistakes in spelling, inconsistent branding, and awkward formatting are becoming less common as indicators. According to Yasuhira, individuals of any age, location, or profession can be targeted. INTERPOL’s efforts aim to equip both police and the public with the knowledge and tools to identify these threats early. In December 2024, the United Nations adopted a landmark cybercrime treaty to bolster international cooperation against such offenses.
INTERPOL advises the public to be cautious of unsolicited contacts from unknown persons or those claiming to be friends, relatives, or trusted organizations. These initial contacts often quickly shift to requests for personal details, bank information, or money. Urgency, especially when linked to personal or family emergencies, is a frequent warning sign. Scammers frequently use fear, distress, or secrecy to prevent targets from seeking advice. Demands for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards should also raise suspicion, as these methods are difficult to trace.
Confirm identities and establish a safe word
Rapidly escalating online relationships involving declarations of love and emotional dependency can also indicate scams. Victims might be encouraged to exit official dating platforms, where monitoring and reporting options are available. INTERPOL recommends maintaining a calm and skeptical attitude, taking the time to evaluate any requests, even from individuals they seem to know. Discussing the situation with trusted friends or family can be helpful. For unsolicited calls, hanging up and contacting the person through a verified channel is advised.
The organization suggests that families and close friends agree on a secret word or question to verify identities during suspicious calls. Additionally, people should verify the online profiles of new contacts and confirm that profile images are not copied from elsewhere. Activating two-factor authentication for all online accounts is recommended. This campaign is part of Project SynthWave PLUS, funded by the Government of Japan, which supports law enforcement agencies in Southeast Asia and beyond to combat threats stemming from synthetic media.