Your son calls you, panicked. “There’s been a bad accident, Dad,” his familiar voice says, more distressed than you’ve ever heard it. This past October, Anthony found himself in this exact situation. Or so he thought. In actuality, the California resident received a call from a scammer who used artificial intelligence (AI) to imitate his son’s voice. The caller convinced Anthony that his son had been arrested for accidentally hitting a pregnant woman with his car and needed bail money. Anthony handed over $25,000 before realizing he was the victim of an AI con.

This incident highlights how scammers use AI to target unsuspecting individuals, especially seniors. While this can feel overwhelming, you can learn to spot and avoid these tactics. Here’s what you need to know to stay informed and confident in protecting yourself.

What is AI and How Does it Affect Everyday Life?

Artificial intelligence, or AI, might sound complicated, but it’s already part of your daily life. AI refers to technology designed to mimic human intelligence, and you likely interact with it more often than you realize.

  • When you use a voice assistant like Siri or Alexa to ask for the weather or set a timer, AI provides the responses.
  • AI-based filters sort through your emails and remove spam from your inbox.
  • Streaming services like Netflix use AI to analyze what you’ve watched in the past and suggest similar shows and movies you might like.
  • Navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps give live traffic data to suggest the best routes.

These tools make life easier but also come with risks when used maliciously.

How Scammers Use AI in Elder Abuse

Elder abuse isn’t new, but AI gives scammers powerful tools to amplify their schemes. Understanding the risks is the first step to protecting yourself.

AI-Driven Scams to Watch Out For

Impersonation Scams

  • Original: Scammers call pretending to be a loved one or authority figure, asking for money.
  • AI Approach: They use AI to mimic a real person’s voice (from videos, audio, etc.), making the caller sound exactly like someone you know.

Phishing Emails

  • Original: Scammers use fake emails to trick people into sharing sensitive information or clicking harmful links.
  • AI Approach: They use AI to create emails that seem personal, using your name or referencing recent activities.

Tech Support Scams

  • Original: Scammers contact you pretending to be tech support, claiming an issue with your computer that they can fix if you give them access. Then, they steal your personal information.
  • Original: They use AI-generated error messages and scripts to make the scam seem more legitimate.

Deepfake Videos

  • Original: Scammers steal or create photos and videos to impersonate people (real or fake) for social, emotional, and financial manipulation.
  • AI Approach: They use AI to create hyper-realistic videos of loved ones or public figures, adding a layer of believability to their lies.

Scammers rely on making you feel scared and rushed, hoping you’ll act without thinking it through. In these situations, the best thing you can do is pause and give yourself time to think critically before acting.

Why Are Seniors Targeted?

Key Challenges

Digital Literacy Gaps: For many older adults, digital technology has only recently become part of daily life, which means learning how it all works can feel impossible. Smartphones, the internet, and apps often come with a steep learning curve.

Reliance on Technology: At the same time, many essential services – banking, healthcare, and keeping up with loved ones – have gone digital. When paired with a limited understanding of the digital landscape, people are more vulnerable to the risks.

How to Protect Yourself from AI Scams

Let’s face it: regardless of the era, adapting to new technology has always been challenging. Remember the confusion of programming a VCR or setting up voicemail for the first time? But you did it. And, as with any new tech, learning about AI takes time and patience. The best defense is to be informed and take precautions. Here are some tips to stay safe:

Confirm Before Acting:

  • If someone contacts you claiming to be your loved one and asks for money, hang up and verify their story before acting. Call them directly or someone who knows them and can confirm where and how they are.
  • If someone calls and says they’re an authority (law enforcement, IRS, etc.) and you must pay them right now or be arrested, hang up. Contact the legitimate organization to confirm if they called you.

In both cases, don’t share personal information with the caller until you’ve verified their identity.

Secure Your Accounts:

  • Use strong passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Use two-factor authentication for a second layer of security.

Pause and Reflect:

  • Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Take a moment to think before responding.

Recognize Warning Signs:

  • Unsolicited requests for money or personal information.
  • Messages with spelling mistakes or unusual links.

Stay Connected and Informed:

  • Ask for Help: Reach out to tech-savvy friends and family members if something feels suspicious.
  • Take a Class: Check if local seniors services and other community spaces offer digital literacy workshops.
  • Use Trusted Resources: Organizations like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and AARP have guides and hotlines for reporting scams.
  • Spread the word: Talk to people about digital safety and the risks of AI. Give them the information and resources needed to get informed.

A Final Word: You’ve Got This

Navigating the world of AI and new technology can feel daunting, but you’ve faced similar challenges before. Whether it was setting up a boombox or figuring out cell phones, you’ve adapted—and you can do it again.

Take your time, ask for help when needed, and give yourself credit for every step you take. You can protect yourself and feel confident in this digital age with the right tools and knowledge.