Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to multiple 911 calls this week linked to a nationwide viral TikTok prank involving Artificial Intelligence.
In this trend, people use AI to generate realistic images of a disheveled “homeless man” appearing inside their own homes, then send the images to family or friends as a prank.
Locally, several parents received these AI-generated photos from their teens and, believing an intruder was present, called 911. JCSO deputies responded, but all incidents were determined to be hoaxes.
The teens involved were given warnings. However, such pranks may constitute initiating a false report, a Class A misdemeanor under Oregon law.
Under the law, offenders may be required to repay response and investigation costs, and if a SWAT team is deployed, the charge carries a mandatory minimum jail term of 10 days.
Parents are urged to talk with their children about how AI can create convincing fake content, the serious legal and emotional consequences of online pranks, and the dangers of misusing emergency services.
