Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used in exciting ways to make life easier, but unfortunately, it has also become a tool for scammers. Older adults—especially kūpuna in Hawaiʻi—are often targeted because scammers assume they may be less familiar with rapidly changing technology, may experience cognitive decline, or may have accumulated assets.
The good news is that with awareness, communication, and the right tools, we can reduce the risks. Here are some practical strategies to help protect kūpuna from AI-driven scams.
Always confirm the identity of callers or message senders before taking action. If you receive a suspicious phone call, hang up and call back using a trusted phone number you already know, such as a family member’s personal line.
Establish a secret word or phrase within your family. If someone calls claiming to need urgent help, ask for the code word to confirm it’s truly them. This simple step can stop scammers who use AI voice cloning to mimic loved ones.
Scammers often try to create panic or urgency, especially around money or personal information. Remind kūpuna to pause, take a breath, and confirm details before acting—no matter how real the message may sound.
Talk openly with older adults about common scam tactics, including AI voice scams, phishing emails, and deepfake videos. Awareness is one of the best forms of prevention.
Reduce the amount of personal information shared online, especially on social media. Encourage kūpuna to adjust privacy settings to make accounts less visible to strangers.
Set up fraud detection, spam filters, and antivirus protection on phones, tablets, and computers. Many free and low-cost tools can block suspicious calls and emails before they ever reach the user.
If a scam is suspected, don’t stay silent. Report it to:
By reporting, you help protect yourself and others in the community.
Protecting our kūpuna is more than just stopping fraud—it’s about preserving trust, dignity, and financial security. Families and caregivers play an important role in keeping older adults safe from scams that can cause emotional distress and financial loss.
