Beware The New Face of Scams

The number of calls we have received over the last six months has definitely clicked higher. The children of aging parents contact us looking desperately for any help after their mother/father has been taken and in some instances for some serious money. In light of some of the recent catastrophes, the frequency of these scam events is only likely to increase. What can be done?! It involves teaching, it involves more of a hands-on approach and most importantly, to be aware.

Beware the New Face of Scams: AI-Powered Fraud Targeting Seniors

In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has unlocked countless possibilities, transforming how we work, communicate, and solve problems. However, this same technology has opened new doors for scammers, particularly targeting vulnerable populations like seniors. As the technology becomes better, faster, our older generations increasingly face unique risks from AI-powered fraud schemes.

The Rise of AI Scams

AI has become a tool of choice for tech-savvy scammers. Its ability to convincingly mimic human behavior, voices, and writing has allowed criminals to craft more believable and sophisticated scams than ever before. Unlike traditional scams that were relatively easy to spot, AI-powered fraud can make falsehoods seem shockingly real.

How AI Scams Work

Scammers use AI in several clever ways to exploit seniors:

Voice Cloning for Impersonation
AI tools can mimic voices with stunning accuracy, requiring only a short audio sample. Fraudsters can use this technology to impersonate a loved one, such as a grandchild, and make urgent pleas for money. An exceptionally common scam involves a senior receiving a phone call from someone they believe to be their grandchild, claiming they’re in an emergency and need financial help immediately.
Phishing Emails and Messages
AI systems can generate personalized, grammatically flawless emails that are nearly indistinguishable from legitimate correspondence. These phishing messages may impersonate banks, healthcare providers, or government agencies, convincing seniors to provide sensitive information like Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords. Simply put, there is no financial institution, inclusion the IRS, which asks you to include your Social Security numbers in an email!
Fake Customer Support Scams
Fraudsters use AI chatbots to mimic real customer service agents. Seniors looking for tech support or troubleshooting assistance may unwittingly interact with fake systems designed to extract credit card information or install malware. Microsoft, Google do not call you to inform you of critical errors in your computer system. When receiving a call like this from friendly techs who want to keep your system clean, know that these companies never reach out to you.
Deepfake Videos and Images
AI can create deepfake videos or images that appear genuine. Scammers might impersonate a trusted public figure or a loved one to request donations or investments. The realistic nature of these visuals makes it difficult to doubt their authenticity.

Why Seniors Are Targeted

Seniors are often seen as easy targets because:

They may not be as familiar with the latest technology and scams.
They tend to trust official-sounding communications.
They may feel isolated and welcome interactions, even from strangers.
They often have access to retirement funds or savings.

Tips for Protecting Seniors from AI Scams

Here are some practical steps seniors and their families can take to minimize risk:

Verify Before Acting
Encourage seniors to verify any unexpected communication, especially those requesting money or personal information. For instance, if a loved one claims to need help, hang up and call them back directly on a known number.
Educate and Stay Informed
Seniors should learn about common scam tactics, including how AI is used. Regular workshops or online resources can keep them updated.
Use Caller ID and Call Screening
Encourage the use of caller ID to identify potential spam calls. Scammers often spoof numbers, but familiarizing oneself with trusted contacts can help.
Strengthen Online Security
Ensure seniors use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on their accounts. Avoid sharing sensitive information over email or phone without proper verification.
Be Skeptical of Urgency
Most scams rely on creating a sense of urgency to bypass rational decision-making. Remind seniors to slow down and seek advice from trusted friends or family members before acting. There is never an emergency where someone needs your payment this instant, particularly in cash, debit cards or store purchased gift cards.
Leverage AI Detection Tools
Ironically, AI can also be a defense mechanism. Tools designed to detect deepfake content or phishing emails are becoming increasingly available and can add an extra layer of protection.

Conclusion

AI-powered scams represent a new frontier in fraud, and seniors are among the most vulnerable. However, by staying vigilant, informed, and connected, we can help protect our loved ones from falling victim to these schemes.

Awareness and prevention are key. Share this information widely to ensure that more seniors—and their families—know what to look for and how to safeguard themselves in an age of sophisticated scams.

Concerned about protecting yourself or a loved one? Contact David R. Schneider, APC today to schedule a consultation and ensure your estate planning is secure, comprehensive, and safeguarded against emerging threats. Your peace of mind starts here.