Back to the card

This note comes from Mistlift, a plain-language guide for parents and educators to what kids are into online.

A note for families: AI intruder photo prank

Act Ages 11-17 Last checked October 28, 2025

What it is

Teens send parents AI-faked photos of a stranger inside the home to film their panic; the intruder is fake, but the emergency calls are real and kids have been charged.

How much it matters

Real, documented harm. A person checked this card before it was published.

Should you worry?

The photo is fake, but the consequences are not: police in the US say these pranks send officers rushing to false emergencies, and at least two juveniles have been charged. A parent who believes the image may call 911 or race home, and a teen who sent it could face legal trouble, so this is a real risk for kids who join in. Before reacting, call or video-call your teen, or reach another person who is home, and ask them directly. If you truly can't confirm that everyone is safe, calling 911 is still the right move. Afterward, explain that a false emergency call is taken seriously, in Canada too, and that the 'joke' can cost the family far more than a scare.

What to say

“I saw there's a prank going around where people send their parents an AI photo of a stranger in the house. I'd rather you know that if I believed it, I might call 911, and police have actually charged kids over this. If you ever want to prank me, let's find something that won't send me into a panic.”

If you’re worried

If you believe someone is truly in your home or anyone is in danger, call 911 right away. If your teen has already sent a fake image and police were called, stay calm, be honest with officers, and talk with your teen once everyone is safe. Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868, or text 686868) is available if your teen is stressed or upset about what happened.

Sources

Read the full card, and share it, at mistlift.app/cards/ai-intruder-photo-prank