If your kids have ever repeated something strange they picked up online, like six-seven, you know how quickly internet culture moves.

The latest? A viral “AI homeless man prank” is making headlines and alarming police in the US, the UK, and even China. In this trend, teens use AI image generators to fake an intruder inside their home, send it to family members, and record their reactions, all for a bit of social media attention and shares.

However, what they see as harmless fun can quickly spiral into panic, police involvement, and even criminal charges.

What Is the “AI Homeless Man” Prank?

The prank typically involves a teenager generating a realistic AI photo or video showing a man,  often described as “homeless,”  appearing inside their home (kitchen, living room, hallway, or bedroom).

They send the image/text message to a parent, sibling or friend, claiming the person is in the house and refuses to leave.

They might say: “Who is this in my house?” or “Mom, help!” before revealing it was fake.

While some viewers find it funny, others panic and call 911. Police in several states have confirmed responding to false emergency calls tied to the trend.

Meanwhile, the prankster records or screenshots the reaction and posts it on social-media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat or Instagram for views.

The prank often spreads via hashtags such as #homelessmanprank.

Why It’s More Than a Harmless Joke

The Salem Police Department in the US state of Massachusetts issued a public service announcement in early October warning about the prank. They stated that several recipients of the fake images “sincerely believed that there was an actual intruder in their home and called 9-1-1 to report a burglary or breaking and entering in progress which necessitated an immediate police response.”
“Police officers who are called upon to respond do not know this is a prank and treat the call as an actual burglary in progress thus creating a potentially dangerous situation,” they added.

Legal consequences

The Salem statement also warns pranksters to be aware of state laws: In Massachusetts under MGL Chapter 269 Section 14B, a person who willfully and maliciously communicates false information to emergency services — knowing it is false — can be punished by up to 2.5 years in a house of correction or fined as much as $1,000.

In the US and other countries, similar legal repercussions are emerging for such false alarms.

The trend isn’t limited to the United States. According to a BBC News report, Dorset Police reported receiving a call from an “extremely concerned parent” who believed a homeless man was inside their home, only to discover it was an AI prank. The force warned that “valuable deployable resources” were used for what turned out to be a joke.

In China, a variation emerged, where women used the prank to test their partners’ reactions by sending AI-generated images of a homeless man in their home. The prank also led to actual police calls.

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How Parents Can Respond

1. Start with curiosity, not criticism

As a parent,  it can be tempting to react to this prank with anger or disbelief, especially if your child was involved or shared a video of it. Try asking: “Have you seen that AI prank where someone pretends there’s a stranger in their house?” or “What do you think about people doing that?” The goal isn’t to shame them — it’s to start a real conversation about responsibility, empathy, and safety.

2. Explain the ripple effects

Help your child see beyond the prank itself. When someone believes the image is real and calls 911, the situation can escalate quickly. Police officers might arrive with sirens, enter a home by force, or draw weapons — all because of an image created for a laugh. While that’s happening, emergency responders are pulled away from real crises: car accidents, fires, or people who truly need help.
And when the truth comes out, the consequences don’t vanish. Filing or provoking a false report is illegal in many places and can lead to fines, community service, or even a criminal record. A single joke can quickly turn into a situation that frightens families, drains emergency resources, and damages reputations.

3. Talk about empathy and respect

Use this as a teaching moment about empathy, both online and in everyday life. Ask your child how they’d feel if someone used their photo in a prank or made them the butt of a viral joke. Discuss how mocking someone’s appearance, situation, or homelessness for entertainment sends a message that their pain doesn’t matter.

Real maturity comes from recognizing that humor built on humiliation isn’t clever — it’s careless. Encourage your kids to create and share things that lift people up rather than scaring them or putting them down.

4. Teach the “pause before panic” rule

If you receive a shocking image or message, pause before reacting. Take a breath. Ask questions. Try to verify what you’re seeing before calling emergency services or sharing it further.
This single habit can prevent panic, embarrassment, and even danger. And when kids see you respond calmly to online surprises, they learn to do the same. It’s one of the most valuable digital-safety skills they can develop.

5. Use parental-control tools as a bridge, not a barrier

Technology can support your parenting goals, but trust remains the foundation. Tools like Bitdefender Parental Control help you manage what apps your kids use, set time limits, and filter unsafe content — but they work best when paired with open communication.
Explain to your kids that these tools exist to protect them, not to spy. Tell them you’re on the same team — that your goal is to keep them safe while helping them learn to make their own smart decisions online.

6. Encourage kids to say ‘no’ — and think long-term

As kids grow, they’ll face pressure from friends and online peers to join in questionable trends, pranks, or challenges. Remind them that it’s completely OK — even admirable — to say no. Turning down something that feels wrong isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of confidence and integrity.

Explain that every post, comment, like, or video they share becomes part of their digital footprint — a lasting reflection of who they are and what they stand for. Colleges, employers, and even friends often look at online behavior when forming opinions. Encourage your child to think about the kind of story their online presence tells.

A positive digital footprint means showing kindness, creativity, and responsibility — not chasing likes or trends that could cause harm. Every choice they make online builds a reputation that will follow them into adulthood, shaping how others see and trust them.

A Teachable Moment About AI Literacy

The “AI homeless man” trend won’t be the last viral moment to cause confusion. Tomorrow it might be another AI prank or a new meme challenge your kids can’t stop laughing about.

The goal isn’t to keep up with every trend — it’s to create open dialogue and teach AI literacy:

• Help kids understand what generative AI is and why it can mislead people. 
• Encourage them to think before they share or participate.
• Make empathy part of your household’s online safety rules.
• Use our ‘They Wear Our Faces Campaign’ to showcase how AI can be used to scam families and do harm.

If you’d like more resources on how to keep your family safe online, explore:

• Bitdefender Parental Control, included in all of our family plans
• Bitdefender Scamio – a free AI tool that checks suspicious links and messages
• Bitdefender Link Checker – a free tool that detects risky websites before you click

FAQs

1. Why are kids doing the AI homeless man prank?

Most kids don’t intend harm — they’re experimenting with viral AI trends and seeking social-media attention. The prank’s shock factor earns likes and shares, but many don’t realize how serious the consequences can be.

2. Is the prank illegal?

In many regions, yes. Making or spreading false emergency claims can lead to charges for misuse of emergency services. Even if your child didn’t make the call, they could face disciplinary or legal consequences for initiating the prank.

3. How can I tell if an image is AI-generated?

Look for unnatural lighting, mismatched shadows, blurred text, or asymmetrical details (like warped furniture or hands). Use online AI-detection tools or reverse-image searches to verify suspicious photos.

4. What should I do if I receive a message like this?

Stay calm. Don’t rush to call emergency services — first verify with your child or someone present. If you truly can’t confirm safety, then contact authorities.

5. How can I talk to my teen about online pranks without lecturing?

Frame it around curiosity and responsibility: “I saw this trend — what do you think about it?” Encourage them to share their views, and listen before reacting.

6. What parental control options help with AI trends?

Use apps that let you monitor new downloads, flag inappropriate content, and set healthy time limits. Tools like Bitdefender Parental Control give you oversight without invading privacy.

7. What lessons can families learn from this trend?

This is an opportunity to teach digital empathy, critical thinking, and AI literacy — skills that matter far beyond this prank. Kids who understand how and why misinformation spreads are less likely to become part of it.