Law enforcement not impressed with ‘Homeless Man’ TikTok prank

An online prank currently trending on TikTok and other social media platforms has prompted the Benoni CPF to issue a stern warning to youths fuelling this viral craze.

On October 8, private security companies and volunteers attached to Sectors 1 and 2, which operate in Rynfield, Morehill, Ebotse, Airfield, Alphen Park, Arrow Park, Farrarmere and Northmead, responded to calls from panicked parents claiming that their children had sent them photos of unidentified persons inside their properties or homes.

“In the reports, the children who are on school holiday claim that someone has entered the property, sharing pictures of the person either in the garden or inside the home,” said Kim Morrow, Sector 1 chairperson.

“Fearing for their children’s safety, urgent requests are made via various community WhatsApp groups or directly to their security company for assistance. Upon arrival, officers find that the images shared were created using AI.”

Morrow explained that the trend, known as ‘AI homeless man,’ is aimed at capturing parents’ reactions to a possible home invasion and then posting it on popular social media platforms.

“We are steadily entering silly season, which means that we could see a sharp increase in crime,” she said.

“Pranks like these are reckless and divert essential resources from legitimate emergencies. Every report of crime is handled with the utmost urgency, and first responders often risk their own lives not only to reach incidents quickly but also without knowing what situation they are walking into.

“This trend is draining resources and causing unnecessary panic. The youths’ ambition of gaining ‘likes’ on social media could result in first responders ignoring emergency calls, thinking it is just another prank, when in reality someone’s life may indeed be in danger.”

She emphasised that reporting or filing a false report is a serious criminal offence and can result in charges of perjury or Crimen Injuria under the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977.

“This could result in hefty fines and even jail time. We are appealing to parents to discuss the serious consequences viral trends have on the community and to dissuade their children from driving these pranks.”

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