There is a lot of talk these days about Artificial Intelligence (AI), including its unique possibilities and pitfalls. This innovative tool can drastically impact our work by automating routine, monotonous tasks, allowing people more time to focus on other tasks. Unfortunately, it's also used to digitally and financially swindle older adults. In honor of World Elder Abuse Day, we're discussing what to be alert to and how to avoid falling victim.
Scammers use AI to deceive individuals and organizations through AI algorithms to create fake identities, images, videos, and even phone calls. Sadly, these AI fraud tactics convincingly trick people into giving up personal information. As this technology evolves, it is getting harder and harder to decipher between what's real and what's not.
One type of AI fraud is phishing (pronounced fishing) scams. Since 2021 there has been a 61% increase in phishing scams. Cybercriminals are mining for usernames, passwords, and other identifying information (social security numbers, login credentials) and financial data (credit card or bank account numbers). Following phishing links can inadvertently allow criminals access to your computer to inject malware or steal your intellectual property – for their use or to sell on the dark web.
Other times, cybercriminals intend to steal money by sending fake invoices, emails, or voicemails claiming they have personal or financial information and that if you don't comply with their monetary demand, they'll wreak greater havoc. Cyber-blackmail presents just enough personal information to scare you into thinking it's real.
Cybercriminals' tactics may change from posing as your financial institution to favorite retail companies to the IRS, but the end game is the same – stealing. Most recently, AI fraudsters have utilized phone cloning to convince unwitting people that a loved one is calling in distress. They can replicate the voice and make calls as though they were your loved one by utilizing audio clips, often found online on social media platforms. Several parents have reported receiving kidnapping calls from their pre-teens and teenagers that are AI fraudsters. Authorities suggest having a "safe word" or asking them something that only your family would know to be authentic if it is an AI fraudster or your loved one.
How they reach you differs as much from the scam they run. You may receive an email, a text message, a private message through your social media platforms, or a phone call. Some typical phishing tactics include: alerting you to suspicious activity, congratulating you on winning a gift card to a popular restaurant or retail location, thanking you for renewing a service you didn't buy or asking you to rate an experience.
So what should you do if you receive a message with a "click here to" resolve an issue, answer a question, or retrieve a gift? If it is possible to you that it is real, contact your financial institution or the retail company directly instead of clicking the link. If the message appears to be from someone you know, start a new message and ask if they sent it. More often than not, it's fake. Once you've determined it's a ploy, delete the message. Have a family safe word that you can use if you get a call seemingly from a loved one demanding money.
But what if you clicked the link without realizing it was a scam? You may be fine if you didn't enter any personal information or credentials. However, it may have opened the door for the scammer to try again since they know whether you clicked the link. Just be alert. Changing your passwords is also a good rule of thumb to be safe, even if you didn't provide personal information.
To keep your information and money safe, follow these simple tips.
- Be skeptical of all unsolicited offers and alerts.
- Don't click links in incoming messages; verify the claim through a phone call or separate message.
- Look for clues that it's a fake, e.g., misspelled words, grainy logos, and email addresses that don't coincide with the company name.
- Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
- Install and update antivirus software on your computer.
- Be wary of calls or voicemails – even if they sound authentic. Verify, verify, verify.
If you believe you've been scammed or your personal information has been breached, don't panic. Call your bank and/or credit card company, cancel any debit or credit cards linked to the stolen account, and reset your passwords.
Elder abuse of any kind is something we take very seriously at MBK Senior Living. That's why we often welcome our resources, like our local police, to our communities to share valuable information that keeps them up-to-date on the latest scams so that they are alert.
To learn more about MBK Senior Living and how we care for residents, click here to find a location near you. We invite you to meet with one of our knowledgeable team members and have lunch in the community.
