AI Incidents
Real-world cases where AI systems caused harm, classified by risk domain and entity. Data sourced from 
AIID and classified by 
MIT AI Risk Initiative. CC BY-SA 4.0
538 incidents
Anthropic Reportedly Identifies AI Misuse in Extortion Campaigns, North Korean IT Schemes, and Ransomware Sales
In August 2025, Anthropic published a threat intelligence report detailing multiple misuse cases of its Claude models. Documented abuses included a large-scale extortion campaign using Claude Code against at least 17 organizations, fraudulent remote employment schemes linked to North Korean operatives, and the development and sale of AI-generated ransomware. Anthropic banned the accounts, implemented new safeguards, and shared indicators with authorities.
Purportedly AI-Generated Nude Images of Middle School Students Reportedly Circulated at Louisiana School
Purportedly AI-generated sexually explicit images depicting a 13-year-old student and other middle school students were reportedly created and circulated at a Louisiana school. The images were shared via social media and shown to students on campus, resulting in ongoing harassment and psychological harm. After the images were displayed on a school bus, the affected student became involved in a physical altercation and was expelled.
Houston Gun Store Co-Owner Allegedly Used AI to Create Sexually Explicit Deepfake Images of a Social Media Influencer
A Houston man and gun-store co-owner, Jorge Abrego, was reportedly arrested after investigators alleged he created fake social media accounts impersonating a TikTok influencer and produced nonconsensual sexually explicit media depicting her using purported generative AI image editing tools. The victim reported anxiety, humiliation, reputational damage, and financial loss. Court records say Abrego admitted creating the accounts and images.
Carter County, Montana Man Reportedly Charged for Creating AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material
Prosecutors in Montana reportedly charged Shy Herbert McCutchan with felony counts of sexual abuse of children, alleging he used an AI tool to manipulate images of a local child. Authorities said the purportedly AI-altered material was discovered through cloud backups linked to his accounts. The case is among the first in Montana to apply new laws targeting AI-generated or manipulated child sexual abuse content.
Joann Fabrics Shoppers Reportedly Defrauded by AI-Generated Scam Sites, Part of Purported Wave of ~100,000 Fake Domains Across 194 Brands
Consumers were allegedly defrauded by AI-generated scam websites impersonating Joann Fabrics following the retailer's bankruptcy. The alleged impostor sites reportedly used Joann's branding to steal credit card details and personal data and leaving victims without products. Cybersecurity firm Netcraft estimated that nearly 100,000 domains created with AI tools were impersonating 194 brands, accounting for a reported 6–7% of global phishing activity.
South Korean Actor Kim Seon-ho's Likeness Allegedly Misused in Purported Deepfake Impersonation Attempts Demanding Money
Fantagio Entertainment, the agency of actor Kim Seon-ho, reportedly warned of recent impersonation scams and purported deepfake videos allegedly misusing his likeness and demanding money. The agency stated that neither Kim nor his staff would solicit funds or personal information, and pledged legal action.
New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA), Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko, Reportedly Flags Purported Deepfake Pump-and-Dump Network Using Social Media Ads
The New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA), Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko, reportedly warned of a global AI-enabled "pump-and-dump" scam that used purported deepfake videos of prominent New Zealand business leaders in Facebook and Instagram ads to lure investors into fake WhatsApp investment groups. Victims were allegedly urged to buy low-value foreign shares to inflate prices, then defrauded through a follow-on "recovery" scam.
Purported Oprah Deepfake Reportedly Induced Utah Woman to Buy Misrepresented Weight Loss Supplements
A Utah woman, Lisa Swearingen, reported paying more than $400 for weight loss supplements after seeing online ads featuring a purported Oprah Winfrey deepfake endorsement. When the product arrived, she said its primary ingredient was turmeric rather than the advertised formula.
Deepfakes Reportedly Impersonated David Taylor-Robinson and Other UK Health Experts to Promote Wellness Nest Supplements
In the UK, purported deepfake videos reportedly impersonated Professor David Taylor-Robinson and other health experts on TikTok and other platforms to promote supplements linked to Wellness Nest. The videos allegedly altered real footage and cloned voices to spread misleading medical claims about menopause, misuse identifiable individuals' likenesses, and expose viewers seeking health advice to health misinformation and deceptive marketing.
Purportedly AI-Generated Image of British Army Colonels Captured in Ukraine Reportedly Circulates in Russian Media
Purported Russian-aligned outlet EADaily published an unverified claim that two British Army colonels had been captured in Ukraine, supported by a reportedly AI-generated image that contained visual and textual anomalies, and the named individuals ("Edward Blake" and "Richard Carroll") reportedly do not appear in UK military records. No credible evidence reportedly supports the claim; it was allegedly amplified by aligned websites and political figures as part of a disinformation pattern.
Alleged Deepfake Video of Anthony Albanese Promotes Fake AUFIRST 'Tax Dividend' Trading Platform
Purported deepfake videos of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, featuring a synthetic voice with an American accent, were reportedly used in scam advertisements on YouTube in mid-2025. They reportedly claimed that Australians could earn thousands per month through an automated cryptocurrency trading platform called AUFIRST, framed as a government "tax dividend." Viewers were reportedly directed to a fraudulent site and urged to invest $400.
Airbnb Host Reportedly Accused of Using Purportedly AI‑Altered Photos in False Damage Claim
A London-based Airbnb guest was reportedly accused by a New York host of causing over £12,000 in damages. The host reportedly submitted photos of the alleged damage, which the guest reportedly claims were digitally manipulated or possibly AI‑generated. Airbnb is reported to have initially sided with the host, ordering payment, but later refunded the guest in full following an appeal.
Purported Deepfake Video and Fake News Articles Allegedly Used to Impersonate Guernsey's Chief Minister in Investment Scam
Scammers allegedly used AI-generated deepfake video, fabricated images, and fake local news articles to impersonate Guernsey Chief Minister Lindsay de Sausmarez and promote a non-existent investment scheme. Authorities reportedly warned that the materials falsely depict her endorsing the opportunity. Police advised residents to disregard the posts and avoid providing personal or financial information.
Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela Reportedly Deepfaked by a Ukrainian National in Cryptocurrency Fraud Targeting Local Residents
A 24-year-old Ukrainian woman, Kateryna Izotkina, was reportedly arrested in Malta after allegedly using an AI-generated deepfake video of Prime Minister Robert Abela to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme. According to investigators, victims were misled into transferring tens of thousands of euros, including one who reportedly lost €53,250. Police conducted a controlled delivery and detained the suspect, who has been charged with fraud, money laundering, and related offenses.
Purported Deepfake of Barack Obama's Detention Reportedly Amplified by Donald Trump via Truth Social
Donald Trump reportedly reposted an AI-generated deepfake video on Truth Social depicting former President Barack Obama being arrested by FBI agents in the Oval Office. The video was reportedly posted first on TikTok and used manipulated footage of a 2016 meeting between Trump and Obama. It reportedly included scenes of Obama kneeling, being handcuffed, and later shown in a prison jumpsuit. The video also reportedly featured edited audio and visual elements drawn from real political statements.