Beware the Bots! How AI is Changing the Scam Game for Seniors (And How to Stay Savvy!)
We’re living in an amazing age, aren’t we? From video calls with grandkids to smart home gadgets that make life easier, technology is constantly evolving. But just like a trusty old car needs regular tune-ups, our understanding of the digital world needs updating, too. Today, we’re going to chat about something new and a bit tricky: Artificial Intelligence (AI), and how some sneaky scammers are using it to try and pull a fast one.
A Super Smart Computer
Now, don’t let the fancy name scare you! Think of AI as super-smart computer programs that can learn and do things almost like a human. They can write emails, create pictures, and even mimic voices! While AI has many helpful uses, sadly, it’s also a new tool in the scammer’s toolbox. But fear not, we’re here to help you spot these new tricks and stay one step ahead!
When AI Gets Naughty: Scams to Watch Out For
Scammers are always looking for new ways to trick people, and AI has given them some powerful new toys. Here are a few ways AI is making scams more believable:
- The “Grandchild in Distress” on Steroids: AI Voice Cloning You know the classic grandparent scam, right? If not, check out my detailed post about this scam by clicking the following link. (The Grandparents Scam Post). Someone calls pretending to be your grandchild in trouble, needing money right away. Well, AI makes this even scarier. Scammers can now use a tiny snippet of someone’s voice (maybe from a public social media video or even a voicemail you left) and use AI to clone it. This means they can make it sound exactly like your loved one. Imagine getting a panicked call that sounds precisely like your grandson, asking for bail money or saying they’re stuck somewhere far away. It’s truly unnerving, but knowing how they do it is the first step to staying safe.
- Phishing Gets Personal: Super-Smart Emails and Texts You’re probably familiar with “phishing” emails – those fake messages pretending to be from your bank, Amazon, or the IRS, trying to get your personal information. In the past, these often had typos or looked a bit off. But with AI, scammers can now craft incredibly realistic and personalized emails and texts. They can use information they find online about you to make the message sound even more convincing, making it harder to tell what’s real and what’s a trick.
- Seeing Isn’t Always Believing: Deepfake Videos This one might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it’s real! “Deepfakes” are videos where AI has been used to alter a person’s face or voice to make it look and sound like they’re saying or doing something they never did. Imagine getting a video call that looks just like your daughter, but she’s asking you to do something strange or send money. While deepfakes are still relatively new for common scams, they’re a growing concern, and it’s good to be aware.
Your Superpower Against Scams: Actionable Steps!
The good news is that even with these new AI tricks, your best defense remains tried and true: skepticism and verification! Here’s what you can do if you ever feel like something is fishy:
- Hang Up and Call Back (Using a Known Number!): This is your golden rule, especially with voice scams. If you get a call, text, or email from someone claiming to be a loved one in distress, or from a company/agency asking for urgent action, do NOT respond directly. Instead, hang up and call that person or organization back using a number you know is legitimate (e.g., from your phone’s contact list, their official website, or a recent bill). Don’t use the number they called from, as scammers can “spoof” numbers to make it look like they’re calling from somewhere they’re not.
- Establish a Family “Code Word” or “Secret Question”: This is a fun and effective way to protect yourselves. Agree with your close family members on a word or phrase that only you all know. If someone calls claiming to be them and asks for money or personal information, ask for the code word. A scammer won’t know it!
- Slow Down and Ask Questions: Scammers thrive on urgency. If someone is pressuring you to act immediately, especially when money or personal information is involved, that’s a huge red flag. Take a deep breath, ask specific questions that only the real person would know the answer to (e.g., “What was the name of the dog we had when I was 10?”), and don’t let them rush you.
- Guard Your Personal Information Online: Be mindful of what you share on social media. Scammers often scour these sites for details about your life and loved ones, which they then use to make their scams more convincing. Review your privacy settings to ensure only trusted friends and family can see your posts. Just remember, even doing this is not a 100% guarantee.
- When in Doubt, Talk it Out! If something feels off, or you’re unsure if a message or call is legitimate, talk to a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor. A second pair of eyes or ears can often spot a scam before it’s too late.
If You Think You’ve Been Scammed: Don’t Be Ashamed, Act Fast!
It’s important to remember that scams are sophisticated, and anyone can fall victim. If you think you’ve been scammed, do not feel embarrassed or ashamed. The faster you act, the better your chances of minimizing the damage.
Here are the immediate steps to take:
- Contact Your Bank or Financial Institutions: If you shared account numbers, credit card details, or sent money, call your bank, credit card company, or other financial institution immediately. They can help you freeze accounts, dispute charges, and take steps to protect your funds.
- Change Passwords: If you believe any of your online accounts (email, social media, banking, etc.) might be compromised, change your passwords right away. Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Also, never save your passwords on your computer’s browser (for example, Chrome, Edge, Firefox…etc.).
- Report It! Reporting scams helps authorities track down criminals and prevent others from falling victim.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report all types of scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
- FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): For internet-related scams, file a complaint at ic3.gov.
- Local Law Enforcement: Contact your local police department. While they may not be able to recover your money, filing a report is important for documentation.
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: Call 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) for assistance and resources.
- AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: This free resource offers support and guidance, even if you’re not an AARP member. AARP Fraud Watch Network Hotline.
In Conclusion: Stay Savvy, Stay Safe!
While AI is a powerful new tool for scammers, it’s also a reminder to sharpen our existing defenses. By being a little skeptical, verifying unexpected requests, communicating openly with loved ones, and knowing what to do if something goes wrong, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of our modern world without falling prey to these digital tricksters. Remember, your peace of mind is priceless, and staying informed is your best protection!