Police are warning about a social media trend called the “AI Homeless Man Prank,” after a recent incident in West Bloomfield where officers were called to a home because someone thought a man had broken in.
According to police, the homeowner saw what appeared to be a photo of a homeless man inside their house and believed it was real. Officers responded immediately, thinking it was an intruder situation. When they arrived, they discovered the image had been created using AI as part of the viral prank circulating on TikTok.
The prank uses fake images showing a stranger inside someone’s home, then sending it to scare friends or family. While some may see it as a joke, police say it’s anything but funny.
Authorities warn that pranks like this can cause panic, fear, and even dangerous reactions, especially when people think their safety is at risk. Responding to fake emergencies also wastes valuable police resources that could be needed elsewhere.
Officers say what might seem like an innocent prank online can lead to real consequences, including emotional trauma and potential criminal charges.
