The police department in Salem, Massachusetts, is warning residents about a viral TikTok prank that uses artificial intelligence to create fake images of people attempting to break into homes, prompting panicked 911 calls and wasting emergency resources.

The prank involves using image generators to create realistic-looking photos that show what appears to be a homeless person at someone's door or inside their home, appearing to refuse to leave. While the home setting is real, the person is completely fabricated using AI.

Pranksters then send these AI-generated images via text to unsuspecting homeowners, relatives or friends, claiming they found an uninvited person in the home.

The reactions — whether by text or phone call — are recorded and posted to social media for entertainment and t

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