Key Summary

Older adults are often trusting and may not be as familiar with technology, making them easy targets for AI scams. Scammers use AI to mimic voices, create fake emails and websites, and produce realistic deepfakes to trick seniors. To stay safe, seniors should verify phone calls, use security software, avoid sharing personal details online, and set up a family code word. If scammed, they should report it, change passwords, and monitor their finances closely.

As technology becomes increasingly prevalent, so are artificial intelligence (AI) scams. Older adults are among the prime targets for fraudsters, as they are perceived to be especially vulnerable and hold greater financial assets. Here’s what families and caregivers need to know to protect their aging loved ones.

Why are seniors targeted in AI scams?

Aging people are particularly vulnerable to scams. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports that in 2023, older adults over the age of 60 reported a 14% increase in the number of telephone scams. These losses amounted to over $3.4 billion (up from $3.1 billion in 2022).

Seniors are generally a trusting and kind population—which makes them easy prey for scammers. Plus, many of them own their homes and have significant savings. Older adults are especially appealing to con artists when the former are grieving a loss, living alone, or suffering from a debilitating health condition.

Many older adults lack the technological savvy to identify an AI scam, especially in comparison to younger people. If they suffer cognitive issues, they may fail to recognize malicious intent. Con artists who present themselves as sociable appeal to lonely seniors.

What are AI scams?

AI proliferates throughout society, from websites to emails and phone calls. Bad actors use AI to create fake websites, emails, and phone calls that are highly believable. They scour social media to gather personal details of potential elderly targets and launch AI schemes that appear shockingly authentic.

As AI evolves, the sophistication of AI scams develops, as well. Whether they resort to video messages with impersonated individuals or emails that seem to arrive from legitimate senders, AI con artists are harnessing the power of AI to seem far too real.

What are examples of AI scams?

1. AI Cloned Voices

A brief audio sample is all that is necessary to carry out this scheme. A grandparent, for instance, may receive a phone call from someone sounding like a grandchild in distress asking for money to be bailed out of a predicament—but a scammer is behind this.

2. Deepfake Scams

Similarly, AI is being maliciously used to create videos, audio clips, and photos of celebrities, public figures, or everyday individuals doing or saying things they did not do or say in reality. These deepfakes may be used to promote fraudulent products or persuade older adults to take specific actions.

3. Phishing Emails

Phishing emails are not new—however, AI has made fraudulent email appear more authentic than ever. In fact, con artists generate such realistic emails that they bypass spam filters. Seniors may receive sham account notifications or urgent requests that seem to come from trustworthy companies.

4. AI-Generated Websites

Scammers commit financial fraud and identity theft when they use AI to set up fake websites. These AI-generated websites look identical to real websites, convincing visitors to input their personal details. The websites appear so realistic that seniors do not realize they’ve been scammed until after the fact.

What are red flags associated with AI scams?

Seniors and their caregivers must be vigilant for signs of AI scams. Although AI continually advances at a rapid rate, certain warning signs should put the elderly on high alert. Red flags include someone asking for sensitive personal information, like a Social Security number, from out of the blue.

AI generates formal language, so seniors must watch for unnatural-sounding words. Subtle oddities like these may point to deep-fake technology. Fraudsters also rely on urgency to pressure seniors into making quick decisions. When encountering an urgent request, think it through, as it may be a scam.

How do seniors protect themselves from AI scams?

As technology develops, seniors are urged to stay updated on the latest AI scams and the techniques con artists are using. Seniors who receive a suspicious phone call should verify the source before sending money; for instance, hang up and call the person directly.

Along with installing antivirus software, use security tools to help protect against deepfakes, phishing scams, and spam texts, among others. Avoid oversharing personal details on social media, since scammers are watching, ready to use the information to launch a personalized scam.

Set up a code word or a secret question to share between family and friends—ask for the answer when suspecting an AI scam. While AI can clone voices authentically, scammers do not know the code word or phrase—which can prevent the elderly from falling prey to an attack.

What should the elderly do if they’ve been scammed?

Seniors should not be embarrassed if they’ve fallen victim to a scam. Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or contact the local consumer protection agency about the suspected AI scam. Avoid responding right away to suspicious requests and explain the contents to a caregiver or a relative.

Older adults who’ve already provided their account information to a suspected AI scammer must change their passwords immediately. Monitor all financial accounts for unusual activity and set up fraud alerts on credit reports to make it harder for fraudsters to set up new accounts in the senior’s name.

Stay ahead of the AI scams with the help of a caregiver from Assisting Hands Home Care. We not only fulfill the non-medical care needs of seniors but advocate for them. Our elder care professionals support seniors in their daily lives to help keep them safe and comfortable.

Caregivers provide assistance with the activities of daily living, such as hygiene tasks, healthy meal preparation, and light housekeeping. We give timely medication reminders, offer reliable transportation to local areas, and serve as pleasant companions to deter social isolation and loneliness.

When your aging loved one needs an advocate, the dedicated caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are available. Our licensed, bonded, and insured professionals serve the elderly in Palos Heights, Illinois. Schedule a free in-home consult today and learn about quality senior home care.