Hey everyone! As seniors, we might not be seeking out the latest AI tools, but these days, AI is finding us—and sometimes, not for the better. Here’s what you need to be wary of, including real-life examples of recent AI scams and mistakes that could trip anybody up.
Where You’ll Run Into AI—Without Even Trying
- Your Phone & Email: Voice assistants like Siri or Alexa, spam filters, and even predictive text are all powered by AI. Sometimes, these “smart” features mix up your words or block important messages by accident. And scammers are using AI to craft super-realistic spam emails that look just like messages from banks or trusted companies, hoping you’ll click a bad link or share your info .
- Social Media & Video Calls: Ever noticed a video or photo that just looked “off”? Maybe a friend’s face was on someone else’s body, or a celebrity seemed to say something odd. These are called “deepfakes”—AI-generated videos and audio that can be incredibly convincing. There have been real cases where scammers used a cloned voice to call grandparents, pretending to be a grandchild in trouble and urgently asking for money. In one example, a couple in Texas sent $5,000 to a scammer who had perfectly cloned their son’s voice.
- Ads & Fake Websites: AI tailors online ads to your interests, but it also helps fraudsters create fake websites that look just like real banks, stores, or government agencies. These sites trick you into entering your passwords or credit card details. Some victims only realize they’ve been scammed when their bank account is empty.
- Tech Support Scams: You might get a pop-up or phone call saying your computer has a virus, urging you to call a “support” number. The person on the other end sounds professional—but they could be an AI chatbot or a scammer using AI scripts to gain remote access to your device.
- Healthcare Scams: There are reports of AI being used to fake medical bills or services you never received, leading to unexpected charges or even identity theft.
Real-World Examples of AI Mistakes and Scams
- Voice Cloning: In Brooklyn, a woman received a call from what sounded like her in-laws—followed by a stranger claiming the couple was being held for ransom. The voices were AI clones, not real people.
- Deepfake Conferences: A finance worker wired $25.6 million after being fooled by a video conference where the “CFO” was actually an AI-generated deepfake.
- Personalized Phishing: AI can now write emails that sound like they’re from someone you know, or from companies you trust, making it much harder to spot fake.
- Fake Medicare Claims: Scammers use AI to create fake bills and steal medical info, which can mess with your healthcare coverage and even lead to identity theft.
- Investment Scams: AI generates fake websites and emails promising huge investment returns. Seniors have lost life savings to these too-good-to-be-true offers.
What You Can Do
- Slow Down: If something feels urgent—especially if it’s about money, personal info, or a “family emergency”—pause. Call the person or company back using a number you know is real.
- Check Twice: Don’t trust caller ID or email addresses at face value. Scammers can fake these with AI.
- Limit Social Sharing: Be careful what you post online. Scammers use public info to make their scams more convincing.
- Talk It Over: If you’re unsure, ask a friend, family member, or tech-savvy helper for a second opinion.
- Report Scams: If you spot a scam, report it. This helps protect others in our community.
Bottom line: AI is powerful, but in the wrong hands, it’s also a powerful weapon against seniors. Stay curious, but stay cautious—especially when AI finds you, not the other way around.
If you’ve had a run-in with an AI scam, share your story below. Let’s help each other stay safe in this new digital world!
Great read! Everyone should know the red flags and warning signs!