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| Protect your elderly family members from AI scams by educating them and monitoring their online activity. Photo: Freepik |
Cyber scams targeting the elderly are not a new phenomenon. Many people have been financially and emotionally ruined as a result of falling prey to these scams. Various organizations and YouTubers have been doing awareness campaigns for a long time. But with the rise of AI, it is becoming difficult to protect our elderly family members from scammers. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that the total amount of fraud losses suffered by older adults exceeded $1.9 billion in 2024. However, the actual losses could be as high as $61.5 billion because very few frauds are reported.
Just recently, a 53-year-old French woman got scammed after she was tricked into thinking that she was in a romantic relationship with actor Brad Pitt, who allegedly needed money for cancer treatment. Scammers used a fake social media profile and AI-generated images to pull it off.
Elderly and vulnerable persons (EVP) are prime targets for cybercriminals and scammers. That's why we should educate them and keep a regular watch over their digital presence.
Read More: How To Care For Elderly Family Members When You Have a Busy Life
Why the Elderly Are Vulnerable?
Before we discuss how to do it, let’s discuss why older adults are targeted. As they age, they face challenges like vision loss and hearing loss, making them more susceptible to scams via email or phone calls. Cognitive changes, like memory problems, can make it harder to question a convincing scam. Also, many seniors live alone, and scammers take advantage of that isolation by presenting themselves as a friendly voice or familiar face. On top of that, older adults often have savings or retirement funds, making them a gold mine for scammers. Knowing these vulnerabilities can help you take the right steps to save them.
What Are The AI Scams Targeting The Elderly?
AI scams are frauds that use artificial intelligence to mimic real people and create believable fake content. These scams aim to trick victims into handing over money and personal information. They are particularly dangerous because they are designed to look and sound legitimate. Fraudsters often target older people who are not tech-savvy and tend to trust familiar voices and faces. Here are the most common types of AI scams targeting older people—
Voice Cloning Scams: Scammers use AI to replicate a loved one’s voice, often calling to claim they’re in trouble (like being kidnapped or arrested) and need immediate cash.
Deepfake Videos: Fraudsters create realistic fake videos of trusted figures, such as grandkids or even celebrities. Then ask for money or sensitive information.
Phishing Emails and Texts: AI-generated messages that look like they’re from a bank, government agency, or utility company trick seniors into sharing personal details.
Fake Tech Support: Scammers pose as tech support from companies like Microsoft, claiming a senior’s computer is “hacked” and needs urgent (and pricey) fixes.
AI Chatbots: These are automated systems that engage seniors in conversation, building trust before asking for money and data.
Now, let's find out how to protect our elderly family members from AI Scammers.
Start the Conversation Without Making It Awkward
Talking to your elderly family member about scams can feel like walking on eggshells. You don’t want to scare them or make them feel like you’re questioning their judgment. The key is to approach it with care and respect.
- Pick the Right Moment: Bring it up casually, maybe over coffee or during a family gathering. Say something like, “Hey, Mom, I read about these crazy AI scams the other day. Can I tell you about them?”
- Use Real-Life Examples: Share a story from the news or even a “friend of a friend” tale about someone who got scammed. This makes the threat feel real without pointing fingers.
- Focus on Empowerment: Frame it as teamwork. Try, “I want us both to stay one step ahead of these jerks. Let’s go over some ways to spot them together.”
- Be Patient: If they brush it off or get defensive, don’t push too hard. Plant the seed and come back to it later.
Teach Them to Spot the Red Flags
Scammers are slick, but they leave clues. Help your loved one learn to recognize the warning signs of an AI scam.
- Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers: If someone’s promising a huge payout, a “free” cruise, or a miracle cure, it’s probably a trap. Remind them, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
- Urgent Demands: Scammers love to create panic, saying things like “Your account’s been hacked!” or “Your grandkid’s in jail!” Teach your family member to slow down and double-check before acting.
- Weird Contact Methods: A call from an unknown number, a text from a strange email, or a social media message from someone claiming to be family—those are all red flags.
- Requests for Odd Payments: Scammers often ask for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legit companies or family members don’t do this.
- Voice or Video That’s “Off”: If a “grandkid” calls but sounds robotic or the story doesn’t add up, hang up and call them back on a known number.
Pro Tip: Create a cheat sheet with these red flags and stick it on their fridge or near their phone. Make it simple, with big print for easy reading.
Set Up Tech Defenses
Technology got us into this mess, but it can also help get us out. Here are some practical ways to use tech to protect your elderly family member.
- Caller ID and Call Blocking: Set up their phone to show caller ID and block unknown numbers. On iPhones, enable “Silence Unknown Callers.” For landlines, check with their phone provider for blocking options.
- Email Filters: Show them how to mark suspicious emails as spam or set up filters to send fishy messages to a junk folder. Gmail and Outlook have easy tools for this.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): For their bank accounts, email, and other sensitive accounts, enable 2FA. This adds an extra step to log in, making it harder for scammers to break in.
- Antivirus Software: Install reliable antivirus software on their computer or tablet. Brands like Norton or McAfee can catch malicious links or downloads.
- Safe Browsing Habits: Teach them to avoid clicking links in emails or texts. Instead, go directly to a company’s official website by typing the address into the browser.
Build a Family Safety Net
Scammers thrive on isolation, so make sure your loved one knows they’ve got backup. Create a family plan to keep them safe.
- Designate a Trusted Contact: Agree on one or two family members they can call if something feels off. For example, “If anyone asks for money, call me or your sister first.”
- Set Up a Code Word: For voice cloning scams, create a secret family code word. If a “grandkid” calls asking for cash but doesn’t know the word, it’s a scam.
- Regular Check-Ins: Call or visit regularly to stay in the loop about their life. This makes them less likely to fall for a scammer posing as a friend or family member.
- Monitor Accounts (With Permission): If they’re okay with it, get access to their bank or email accounts to keep an eye out for weird activity. Online banking apps often let you set up alerts for large transactions.
Educate Without Overwhelming
You don’t need to turn your elderly family member into a cybersecurity expert, but a little knowledge goes a long way.
- Use Analogies: Explain AI scams like a con artist dressing up as someone they trust. It’s not about tech, it’s about trickery.
- Show, Don’t Tell: If they get a suspicious email, sit down and go through it together. Point out the weird email address and spelling mistakes.
- Keep It Simple: Stick to one or two key tips at a time, like “Never give out your Social Security number” or “Don’t send money to someone you haven’t met in person.”
- Use Trusted Resources: Share videos or articles from places like AARP or the FTC about scams. They’re written in plain language and carry authority.
- Take Community Help: If they’re into it, consider signing them up for a local senior center class on internet safety. Many communities offer these for free.
What to Do If They Get Scammed
Even with all your efforts, scams can still happen. If your loved one falls victim, here’s how to handle it.
- Stay Calm: Don’t blame them. It’ll only make them feel worse. Scammers are pros, and anyone can get fooled.
- Act Fast: If they gave out financial info, call their bank or credit card company immediately to freeze accounts or dispute charges.
- Report It: File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call FTC's Consumer Response Center at 877-382-4357. Also, report to your local police for documentation.
- Change Passwords: Update passwords for any compromised accounts, and enable 2FA if it’s not already on.
- Check for Damage: Run a credit report (free at AnnualCreditReport.com) to see if their identity was stolen. Consider a credit freeze to block further fraud.
Read More: Cybersecurity Tips For Working From Home
Protecting your elderly family members from AI scammers is the need of the hour. With mindful conversations and with a little patience, you can give your loved ones the tools to stay safe in a world full of high-tech thugs. It's not about wrapping them in bubble wrap, it's about giving them the confidence to go about their daily lives without fear.
