A new wave of sophisticated scams leveraging artificial intelligence technology is disproportionately affecting older Americans, according to recent reports. These scams, which often utilize deepfake audio and video, are proving particularly effective against the elderly population.
John Smith, a cybersecurity expert at Tech Safeguard Inc., explains, “Scammers are using AI to create incredibly realistic voice and video impersonations of loved ones. An elderly person might receive a call that sounds exactly like their grandchild, pleading for urgent financial help.”
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports a 30% increase in AI-related scams targeting individuals over 65 in the past year. These scams have resulted in an estimated $1.5 billion in losses for this age group alone.
Mary Johnson, 72, from Springfield, Illinois, fell victim to one such scam. “The voice on the phone sounded exactly like my grandson. He said he was in trouble and needed money right away. I didn’t think twice about sending it,” Johnson recounts.
Law enforcement agencies are struggling to keep pace with these rapidly evolving tactics. Detective Sarah Brown of the Cyber Crimes Unit states, “These AI-powered scams are incredibly sophisticated. By the time we trace the source, the scammers have often disappeared without a trace.”
Experts advise elderly individuals and their families to be vigilant and implement additional verification steps when receiving urgent requests for money, even if they appear to come from trusted sources.
The National Council on Aging has launched a nationwide awareness campaign to educate seniors about these new threats. “We’re working to empower older adults with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves in this digital age,” says Robert Davis, the council’s director of cybersecurity education.
As AI technology continues to advance, authorities warn that these scams are likely to become even more convincing and widespread. They urge the public to stay informed and exercise caution in all digital interactions.
