GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Michigan Better Business Administration is warning neighbors about the growing threat of AI-generated images and videos spread across social media and news platforms as many people focus on developments in the ongoing global conflict.
BBB’s Nakia Mills said scammers are now using AI-generated images and videos to boost the credibility of fraudulent websites, create fake celebrity endorsements, and spread false images related to current world events and elections.
Richard Drew/Associated Press
“AI has sadly created a lot of more sophisticated fraud,” Nakia said.
BBB says it wants to help both businesses and consumers navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-generated content.
“We have a lot of tools to help both the business and consumer sides, because it’s moving so fast and we’re just trying to educate everyone. That’s why we’re coming from the perspective that it’s all about trust and human judgment,” Nakia said.
scripps news
The Michigan BBB offers the following tips to help consumers identify AI-generated images.
Check the source: Trace the photo back to the original post to see who shared it. If it comes from a page full of shocking political events or messages, it’s likely created using AI.
Perform a reverse image search. This will show you all the websites where the image has appeared and help you understand the context of the image and where it came from.
Find the highest resolution version and enlarge it. AI image generators are essentially pattern replicators. They’re good at drawing from the original image, but they don’t necessarily take the laws of physics into account. Check for physical discrepancies or strange shiny textures.
OpenAI Sora 2 (via Scripps News Group)
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and translated on this platform with the help of AI. Our editorial team verifies the fairness and accuracy of all reporting across all platforms.
