On October 17, 2025, social media pranksters circulated AI-generated images of a 'homeless man' appearing in homes, causing widespread panic and false emergency calls across various U.S. locations, leading to multiple police warnings.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Salem Police Department, reported that the prank deceived recipients into believing there was an intruder, resulting in unnecessary panic and significant strain on emergency resources. John Burke, Captain of the Salem Police Department, emphasized: "You're causing your friends or your family to panic... You're tying up a police, public safety answering point, a 911, dispatch center. You're wasting the police resources."
The prank, which leverages advanced AI technology for deception, has been compared to past swatting incidents but introduces a novel twist with realistic imagery, amplifying concerns about AI misuse. Authorities highlighted the potential legal consequences for perpetrators and the urgent need for regulatory measures to address ethical implications.
Experts note that the trend underscores broader societal costs, such as diverted emergency services and public safety risks, but reports confirm no impact on cryptocurrency markets, blockchain projects, or digital assets.
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