A disturbing new trend on TikTok is sparking nationwide alarm as pranksters use AI-generated images to fabricate home invasions, terrifying family members and triggering SWAT-level emergency responses. Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are now issuing stern warnings: this viral prank isn’t just dangerous—it could be criminal.
The prank involves creating AI-generated images of strangers appearing inside someone’s home—on their couch, in their bed, or at the front door—and then sending those images to family members or friends with misleading messages like, “He says he knows you” or “I told him he could stay.” The realistic images and messages have caused panic, with some recipients believing their homes have been breached by intruders.
TikTok user Ray Spencer, whose video on the prank garnered over 5 million views, admitted the images are easy to make and “really funny”—until the fear they cause becomes all too real. Spencer’s husband reportedly began “shaking” in panic, believing a stranger had entered their home.
Police departments across the country are now seeing a sharp increase in 911 calls related to the trend. Officers emphasize that these incidents trigger high-priority responses, including potentially dangerous home clearances with weapons drawn or full SWAT deployments. “It causes a pretty aggressive response for us,” one official said. “We’re worried about the safety of individuals in the home.”
The Round Rock Police Department in Texas confirmed responding to multiple false home invasion reports linked to the AI image prank. In some cases, charges were not filed, but at least one police department has confirmed pressing charges against two juveniles, sending a strong signal that such behavior may be treated as criminal moving forward.
Authorities warn that beyond public panic and resource strain, this prank poses serious risks: miscommunications during emergency responses can end in injury—or worse. Police are urging parents to talk to their children about the dangers of misusing AI technology and the legal consequences that may follow.
