Guards warn against social media prank sending AI intruder images to loved ones

An Garda Síochána has issued a warning about a troubling social media trend in which people are sending AI-generated images of home intruders to family or friends.

The prank has already led to multiple emergency callouts, with Gardaí responding to ultimately false reports. Authorities stress that these hoaxes divert resources from genuine emergencies, potentially putting lives at risk.

One Garda spokesperson said “Such actions are reckless and could prevent legitimate calls for help from receiving urgent attention.” 

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Social media users have expressed outrage over the trend. One tweeted, “This can be fatal if armed police turn up to homes based on false information. Extremely careless.” Another commented, “Shame on people wasting Garda time and maybe stopping them helping in genuine situations.”

Gardaí urge the public to avoid participating in these pranks and to consider the serious consequences of misusing emergency services.