A woman in Florida has admitted to fabricating a serious crime report using artificial intelligence, in a case that authorities have linked to a troubling social media trend.
The False Report and AI Evidence
On 7 October 2025, Brooke Taylor Schinault, 32, of St. Petersburg, called police claiming an unknown man had broken into her home and attacked her. When officers arrived, they found no signs of a crime. Schinault then provided a photograph of a man she identified as the suspect. During a second call, she escalated her claim, alleging she had been sexually battered.
However, a detective reviewing the evidence immediately recognised the image as part of a viral online trend. The photo was later confirmed to have been generated by AI, specifically via ChatGPT. Police discovered the image in a deleted folder on Schinault's device and found it had been created days before the alleged incident occurred.
Connection to a Disturbing TikTok Trend
Investigators believe Schinault was participating in the so-called "AI homeless man" prank, a trend that has garnered millions of views on TikTok. Participants use artificial intelligence to create photorealistic images of homeless individuals inside their homes to shock or prank friends and family.
According to a police report, Schinault confessed to lying about the break-in and rape during a difficult period where she was dealing with depression and seeking attention. She stated she "does not follow any trends," despite the clear parallels.
Wider Consequences and Legal Outcome
This incident is not isolated. The AI prank has prompted false police reports in Texas, Washington, and England, wasting crucial emergency resources that could be deployed for real crimes. Law enforcement officials warn that such actions are not only dehumanising to vulnerable homeless populations but also divert vital public safety resources.
Schinault ultimately pleaded no contest to making a false report to law enforcement. She has been placed on probation and ordered to pay a fine. A phone number listed for her in police documents has been disconnected.
The case highlights the emerging and dangerous intersection of AI technology and criminal hoaxes, posing new challenges for police and the judicial system worldwide.
