A new Tiktok trend has started- people have been using AI to generate images of fake homeless people in their homes and sending it to their parents as a prank. With today’s technology, the images look almost real, and have sent parents into a great worry.

There have been multiple instances where the parents have called the police on these AI people. Not only has this trend given parents a few more grey hairs but it has also fed into the harmful stereotype that all homeless people are dangerous.

The police reports made because of this trend have caused authorities to send out warnings. The issue starts with police officers responding fast and risking their safety to stop an “intruder.”

In addition, it takes time away from officers who could be responding to real crimes. Different police departments, such as Salem (Mass.) Police Department, have called the trend dehumanizing, according to an article on the Channel 6 Action News website.

Several warnings have been issued that people who participate in this trend can face criminal charges for fake reports. Before taking part in this trend, think about the damaging and hurtful message it is spreading.