AI is transforming everyday life, from how we work and shop to how we communicate. But as artificial intelligence becomes more advanced and accessible, it’s also being used to power a growing wave of scams that are harder than ever to detect.
AI generated images, voice cloning, and hyper realistic text, scammers can now convincingly impersonate real people, trusted brands, and even government agencies. As a result, AI scams and AI fraud are rising sharply, with older adults often bearing the brunt, especially those who may be less familiar with emerging technology or digital warning signs.
From fake job listings to deepfake videos and scam phone calls, the line between real and artificial content is blurring fast. These scams aren’t just disruptive; they can be financially and emotionally devastating.
Below is a practical guide to the most common AI scams targeting seniors, along with clear, actionable ways to help protect your loved ones.
Deepfake scams
What it is:
Deepfakes are AI created videos, images, or audio that make it seem like someone said or did something they didn’t. Today’s deepfakes can convincingly replicate voices, facial expressions, and speech patterns.
For older adults, this may look like a message that appears to come from someone they know and trust. Some examples:
- A voicemail that sounds exactly like a grandchild asking for urgent help
- A video of a trusted public figure promoting a fake investment or product
How to protect them:
- Set up a "family safe" word to confirm real emergencies
- Show examples of deepfake scams so they know what to look for
- Treat any urgent request for money or personal information as a red flag
- Look for visual inconsistencies, odd speech timing, or unnatural movements
- Use reverse image search to verify suspicious photos
- Encourage them to call a trusted family member directly before responding
AI job scams
What it is:
Job scams are nothing new, but AI has made them significantly more convincing. Scammers now use AI to generate professional looking job ads, emails, and recruiter profiles, often promising high paying remote work.
The scam typically involves asking for upfront payments for training, background checks, or specialized equipment.
How to protect them:
- Bookmark legitimate U.S job boards and company career pages
- Encourage them to share job offers with you before replying. You can create a shared folder where suspicious emails can be reviewed together
- Be cautious of job offers that skip interviews, rush decisions or ask for money
Romance scams
What it is:
Romance scams are increasingly powered by AI. Scammers use AI generated photos, detailed profiles, and chatbots capable of long, emotionally engaging conversations.
These scams often target seniors who are widowed, lonely, or isolated. Once trust is established, the scammer invents a crisis, such as a medical emergency or travel issue, and asks for money.
How to protect them:
- Offer to join a video call with any new online romantic interest
- Encourage open conversations about new online relationships
- Remind them never to send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone they haven't met in person
- Watch for relationships that move unusually fast or feel " too perfect"
- Set social media accounts to "friends only" and review unknown requests
- Pay attention to emotional vulnerability during major life changes
AI scam calls
What it is:
AI generated scam calls often impersonate banks, credit card companies, government agencies, or utility providers. These calls rely on urgency, claiming accounts are compromised or payments are overdue, to pressure people into acting quickly.
How to spot it and stay safe:
- Teach the pause rule: wait at least 10 minutes before acting on urgent calls
- Listen for unnatural speech patterns, awkward pauses, or flat tones
- Establish a strict callback rule: hang up and call the organization using a known number
- Remember: legitimate institutions don't demand immediate payment by phone
Fake products and AI generated reviews
What it is:
AI can generate hundreds of fake product listings and reviews in seconds, making poor quality or nonexistent products appear highly rated. These scams often appear in social media ads or unfamiliar online stores.
How to protect them:
- Be wary of reviews that are overly positive with no downsides
- Bookmark trusted U.S retailers and shopping sites
- Review unfamiliar websites together before large purchases
- Remember: if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is
- Use browser popup blockers and security tools
Financial safety nets that help
Even with strong precautions, scams can still happen. Setting up safeguards can reduce financial damage and speed recovery.
Steps to take together:
- Enable two-factor authentication for email and banking
- Set up alerts for large withdrawals or transfers
- Add a trusted contact to bank and credit card accounts
- Keep a printed list of emergency contacts (police, bank, family) near the phone
The most powerful protection: trust
One of the biggest reasons scams go unreported is fear—fear of embarrassment, fear of judgment, or fear of losing independence. Unfortunately, that silence is exactly what scammers depend on.
The most effective safeguard you can offer is an open, judgment free relationship. Make it clear to your loved one that questions, doubts, or mistakes are always welcome—and that asking for a second opinion is a sign of caution, not weakness.
A simple phrase that can help open the door is:
“Scammers are getting smarter every day. If something feels strange, it’s not you—it’s them. Let’s check it together.”
That shared mindset can make all the difference.
