Protecting Seniors from AI Scams

February is National Senior Independence Month, a time to celebrate the ability of older adults to live life on their terms while ensuring they remain safe and financially secure. Unfortunately, with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), scammers have found new and sophisticated ways to exploit seniors. Understanding these threats and knowing how to respond is key to maintaining financial independence. 

How AI is Changing Scams 

Traditional scams have been around for decades, but AI has made them more believable and harder to detect. Scammers use AI-powered tools to create realistic voices, videos, and fake websites, making it easier to impersonate loved ones, officials, or trusted businesses. 

Some common AI-driven scams include: 

• Voice Cloning: Scammers can now replicate a person’s voice using just a short audio clip, making it seem as though a loved one is calling for help. 
• Deepfake Scams: AI-generated videos and images can make it appear that a trusted figure is endorsing a fraudulent investment or sending an urgent request. 
• Fake Websites: Criminals create nearly identical copies of legitimate websites, tricking users into entering sensitive information or making payments to fraudsters. 

A Real-Life Example 

Scammers recently targeted an 82-year-old man with a phone call that seemed to be from his son-in-law. The caller, using AI-generated voice cloning, claimed to be in legal trouble and needed $17,000 for bail. The man withdrew the money and handed it over, only to later discover the entire scenario was a scam. Cases like this highlight the importance of awareness and verification before acting on urgent requests. 

Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones 

To stay ahead of these AI-powered scams, seniors and their families should adopt a few key protective measures: 

• Verify Before Acting: If you receive a call or message from a loved one requesting money, hang up and call them directly using a known number. 
• Use a Family Code Word: Establish a secret word or phrase that only family members know. If someone claims to be a relative but cannot provide the word, it’s likely a scam. 
• Beware of Urgency: Scammers rely on creating panic. Take a moment to think, consult with someone you trust, and verify details before responding. 

Stay Informed: Learn about the latest scams and share information with friends and family. Awareness is the first line of defense. 

Reporting Scams 

If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, report it immediately: 

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): ReportFraud.ftc.gov 
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): www.ic3.gov 
• Adult Protective Services: Find your local office through the Eldercare Locator 

C&N’s Commitment to Fraud Prevention 

Protecting your financial well-being is our top priority. That’s why we created MoneyArmor, a resource dedicated to fraud prevention and online security. This comprehensive cybersecurity program offers: 

• Proactive Protection: Tools and resources to safeguard against evolving cyber threats. 
• Educational Workshops: Tips and guidance to help you recognize and prevent scams. 
• Personalized Support: Our experts are here to help you navigate fraud concerns and protect your finances. 

Visit our MoneyArmor page to learn more about how we can help keep you and your loved ones safe. Our Adults&Seniors page has tons of great resources tailored to preventing, recovering from, and reporting fraud.  

Independence Starts with Awareness 

Staying independent means staying informed. As AI scams become more advanced, taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your family is essential. This National Senior Independence Month, help empower seniors and their families with the knowledge they need to maintain both their freedom and financial security.