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AI and Fraud: What Older Americans Need to Know

Published: May 7, 2025

AI and Fraud: What Older Americans Need to Know

May is Older Americans Month—a time to celebrate the contributions, wisdom, and resilience of older adults. It’s also a perfect opportunity to shine a light on important issues affecting their safety and well-being, including a new challenge in today’s digital age: fraud schemes powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

As technology evolves, so do the tactics of scammers. The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging is raising awareness about a growing threat: Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven fraud. In an era where cloned voices and deepfake videos can be created with just a few clicks, it's more important than ever to stay vigilant—especially for older Americans who are increasingly targeted by these sophisticated scams.

AI Scams Are Here—and They’re Convincing

According to the Committee’s latest brochure, AI tools are being used to impersonate loved ones, create fake online relationships, and send realistic phishing messages. Here are some ways AI is being misused:

  • Voice Cloning: Criminals replicate a family member’s voice to ask for money during a fake emergency.
  • Deepfakes: Scammers use AI to generate realistic videos or images to build trust.
  • Chatbots: These simulate real conversations and may try to extract sensitive personal or financial information.

Because these scams can appear so real, they’re catching even cautious individuals off guard.

Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones

Here are a few practical steps to stay safe:

  • Be cautious with personal details. Don’t share sensitive information over phone, text, or social media.
  • Confirm before you act. If someone calls claiming to be in trouble, call them—or a trusted family member—directly.
  • Use a family code word. Create a shared word only close family knows to verify real emergencies.
  • Be skeptical of urgent messages. Especially those asking for money or sensitive information.
  • Report anything suspicious. Contact the appropriate authorities and agencies right away.

Use the Senate Aging Committee’s Fraud Hotline

If you or someone you know has encountered a suspicious call or message, you can report it by calling the Committee’s Fraud Hotline at 1-855-303-9470, Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM ET.

For more resources and to access the Committee’s annual Fraud Book, visit the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging’s website: www.aging.senate.gov.

Article content is provided for information purposes only.

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