Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming daily life in powerful and positive ways. But unfortunately, scammers are also exploiting AI to create convincing deceptions that can be especially dangerous for kūpuna (older adults 60 and over). These scams are designed to look and sound real, making them difficult to spot without careful attention.
Here are some of the most common AI-driven scams targeting seniors and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
How it works: Scammers use AI to clone voices of loved ones or trusted professionals by pulling samples from social media posts, voicemail messages, or other recordings. They then make phone calls pretending to be relatives in distress or authority figures demanding urgent action.
Example: A grandparent in Hawaiʻi receives a panicked call that sounds exactly like their grandchild. The caller claims they are in jail and need bail money. Out of fear and love, the grandparent wires funds—before realizing it was a scam.
How it works: AI generates realistic but fake videos, photos, or audio content that impersonates family members, friends, or even public figures. These “deepfakes” are then used to spread misinformation, sell fraudulent products, or manipulate victims into sending money.
Example: A kūpuna receives a video call that appears to be from their grandchild, begging for urgent financial help. The likeness is convincing, making it extremely difficult to know it’s a fake.
How it works: Scammers use AI to craft highly personalized and convincing phishing emails or text messages. These messages appear to come from trusted organizations such as banks, government agencies, or Medicare.
Example: An older adult receives an email that looks exactly like it’s from their bank, warning of suspicious activity and urging them to click a link to verify their account. The link, however, leads to a fake website designed to steal their login credentials.
How it works: Using AI, scammers mimic tech support from well-known companies like Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus providers. They claim the victim’s computer has serious issues and demand immediate payment or remote access.
Example: A pop-up on the screen says “Your computer is infected—call Microsoft now.” When the kūpuna calls, the scammer asks for credit card payment or installs malware.
How it works: AI is used to create realistic fake investment websites, apps, and even chatbots that promise unusually high returns. These scams lure older adults into “investing” their savings in what seems like a legitimate opportunity.
Example: A retiree sees an online ad for an AI-powered investment promising “guaranteed profits.” The website looks professional, but the money disappears once funds are transferred.
➡ In our next blog, we’ll explore how scammers are using AI-driven schemes to defraud Medicare—and what you can do to protect yourself and your benefits.
