AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Round Rock Police Department (RRPD) warned parents and teens about a social media trend of using AI-generated videos of “home invasions” and “alarming texts” to “create fear and panic,” according to a RRPD news release.
“These images are designed to appear realistic, often depicting a homeless man sitting on a couch, standing in the kitchen, or eating food inside the home,” the release said.
The trend has led parents to call 911 “under the false belief that their child is in danger.” This, the department said, has led to the misuse of police resources.
RRPD said its officers responded to two such calls last weekend. It said both calls turned out to be hoaxes.
Similarly to swatting, the trend could lead to arrests for knowingly making a false report.
“While no one was harmed, making false reports like these can tie up emergency resources and delay responses to legitimate calls for service,” RRPD said. “Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to speak with their children about the risks and potential legal consequences of participating in deceptive online trends.”
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