Police say a resident received fraudulent calls from people posing as Bucks County elected officials and law enforcement while using apparent AI-generated images to make the scheme more convincing
BENSALEM, PA – Scammers posing as elected officials and police officers are allegedly using AI-generated photographs to make fraudulent phone calls appear legitimate, prompting Bensalem Police to warn residents against sending money through gift cards, Apple Pay or similar payment methods.
The warning followed a report from a Bensalem resident who received fraudulent calls from people claiming to be local elected officials and later police officers, according to the department.
Police said the scammers used photographs that appeared to have been generated by artificial intelligence in an attempt to deceive the resident and add credibility to the scheme.
The department did not disclose whether the targeted resident lost any money or provided personal information.
Police also did not identify the elected officials allegedly impersonated or disclose how the apparent AI-generated photographs were presented during the scam.
Bensalem Police said neither the department nor Bucks County elected officials will call residents and demand payments using gift cards, Apple Pay or similar methods.
Officials also will not promise to reimburse someone for money supposedly owed after a payment is made, according to the department.
Residents who receive such calls are advised to end the communication without providing personal or financial information or sending money.
Suspicious calls can be reported to Bensalem Police at 215-633-3719.
Key Points
- Bensalem Police received a report involving scammers allegedly impersonating local elected officials and police officers.
- Police said apparent AI-generated photographs were used to make the scheme more believable.
- The department said Bucks County officials and Bensalem Police will not demand payment through gift cards, Apple Pay or similar methods.