Police warn against participating in this viral social media prank

Ohio — A new prank known as the AI Homeless Man prank has gained traction on social media, prompting warnings from security experts. This trend involves individuals creating realistic images of a homeless person placed within private residences. Experts, including Tim Dimoff, a National Law Enforcement Procedures and Security expert, have expressed concerns about the potential for these pranks to incite panic and pose safety risks to innocent bystanders.

Akron Police Lieutenant Michael Murphy also highlighted that such pranks can divert police resources away from genuine emergencies. Participants in these activities may face legal consequences, as they could be charged with creating false police reports or causing panic.

Authorities advise those receiving these pranks to verify the situation before reacting and to contact law enforcement if they feel there is a real threat. “It’s important to assess whether it’s a joke or a serious issue. If in doubt, calling the police is the best course of action,” Murphy stated.