Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology that can perform various tasks, such as speech recognition, image analysis, and natural language processing. However, AI can also be used for malicious purposes, such as scamming unsuspecting victims, especially senior citizens.
According to the FBI, Americans lost more than $10 billion in 2022 through online scams, and seniors were among the most vulnerable groups. Scammers use AI to create convincing and personalized messages that exploit the trust and lack of familiarity of seniors with modern technology.
One of the most common methods of AI scams is robocalls, which are automated phone calls that deliver pre-recorded messages. Scammers use AI to manipulate the caller ID, generate realistic voices, and tailor the message to the individual. They often pretend to be someone the senior knows or trusts, such as a family member, a government agency, or a financial institution. They then create a sense of urgency or fear, and ask for personal or financial information, or demand immediate payment.
Another method of AI scams is phishing, which are fraudulent emails or texts that lure the recipient to click on a malicious link or attachment. Scammers use AI to craft convincing and relevant messages that appear to come from a legitimate source, such as a bank, a retailer, or a social media platform. They then trick the senior into revealing login credentials, account details, or other sensitive data.
AI scams can have serious consequences for senior citizens, such as identity theft, financial loss and emotional distress – any of which can have great impact on a senior’s life. Therefore, it is important to educate and protect seniors from these threats. Here are a few tips on how to avoid AI scams:
- Verify the identity of the caller or sender. Do not rely on the caller ID or the email address, as they can be easily spoofed. If you are unsure, hang up or delete the message, and contact the organization or person directly using a verified number or email.
- Be particularly wary if you receive an email from someone you do not recognize. Never respond to text messages from people or organizations you don’t know. If you receive a suspicious phone call, hang up. The SSA doesn’t initiate contact with recipients by email, text, or phone. If someone claims to be calling from Social Security end the call immediately.
- Seniors now need to be particularly careful about Social Security scams since fraudsters have embraced AI to manipulate people into revealing secure information. The schemes are sophisticated and appear entirely legitimate, making them harder to discern from real messages from the Social Security Administration.
- Do not share personal or financial information over the phone or online, unless you initiated the contact and are certain of the recipient’s identity. Never give out your Social Security number, bank account number, credit card number, or other sensitive data to anyone who asks for it unsolicited.
- Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers use time-sensitive language to make you act impulsively and without verification. Take your time to think and consult with a trusted family member or friend before making any decisions.
- Report any suspicious or fraudulent activity to the authorities. If you receive a robocall, phishing email, or another scam message, do not respond or engage with it. Instead, report it to the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, or your local law enforcement.
AI scams are a serious and growing threat that target senior citizens and exploit their trust and vulnerability. As technology changes so do the means of stealing. By staying current with common scams, you can protect your retirement benefits and finances from AI-driven fraud.