Across the United States, police departments and sheriff’s offices are alerting their communities about a “foolhardy and potentially hazardous” prank that is gaining traction on the internet.

This prank, known as the “AI homeless man prank,” employs artificial intelligence to create lifelike images of an unknown man appearing at someone’s doorstep or inside their residence. These manipulated images are then shared with family members or roommates.

Such incidents have prompted police to respond swiftly to reports of intrusions, as seen with the Fountain Police Department in Colorado, which reacted to a purported break-in.

“Officers responded to a reported burglary this morning after a mother called 911, fearing for her daughter’s safety,” the Fountain Police Department stated. “The mother informed the 911 dispatcher that she received a text from her daughter saying, ‘some strange guy just walked into the house asking to use the restroom.’”

When her daughter failed to respond to further texts or calls, the mother dialed 911. The department noted that “every available officer” was dispatched to the location, ready to enter by any means necessary after receiving no response at the door.

The daughter did eventually answer and explained the prank. 

Law enforcement agencies say the prank can “cause panic, lead to dangerous or violent reactions” and more.

“Besides being in bad taste, there are many reasons why this prank is, to put it bluntly, stupid and potentially dangerous,” the Salem Police Department wrote in a statement. “This prank dehumanizes the homeless, causes the distressed recipient to panic and wastes police resources.”

Police encourage parents to talk to their children and family about the consequences of the trend, which could include fines and imprisonment for a false 911 call depending on city and state laws.