Written by: Alejandra Legarda - Journalist

Scams targeting older adults using artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content, particularly in the form of deepfake videos, voice cloning, and AI-powered chatbots, are on the rise in the United States. These scams have become increasingly sophisticated, making it more difficult for victims to detect them.

A common scam involves using AI to clone the voice of a loved one, typically a grandchild, to trick seniors into believing they are in an emergency situation and urgently need money. Scammers only need a short audio clip, often obtained from social media, to create a convincing replica of the person's voice. This method is especially dangerous because it exploits the trust and concern that older adults have for their family members.

Additionally, AI can generate highly realistic deepfake videos and personalized messages, further enhancing the credibility of these scams. As AI technology continues to advance, the threat posed by these scams is expected to grow, prompting lawmakers and agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to call for more robust protections and awareness campaigns.

To combat this growing threat, it is essential for older adults and their families to stay informed about the latest scam tactics and take preventive measures, such as setting up family code words for emergencies and being cautious about unsolicited communications that request personal information or money.