More than ever, seniors are being targeted by bold, highly sophisticated scams that use artificial intelligence, voice cloning, deepfakes, spoofed phone numbers, and personalized phishing. What used to be isolated grandchild in trouble calls has evolved into multi channel attempts that use personal details, emotion, and urgency to push people into sending money or giving up private information. Understanding the newest scams and simple ways to verify requests will help protect your savings, your identity, and your peace of mind.
Four aggressive scams targeting seniors right now
1. AI voice cloning, grandchild in crisis calls
Scammers use artificial intelligence to copy a loved one’s voice, then call with a story that sounds urgent and real. Learn more about how the Federal Trade Commission describes AI-enhanced family-emergency schemes and their guidance on fighting harmful voice cloning. You can also see how AARP covers the rise of AI-driven scams and their growing impact on older adults.
2. Deepfakes and tech support impersonators
A fake pop up or a caller pretending to be a trusted company says your computer is infected, then pressures you to call a number or allow remote access. Learn to spot and avoid tech support scams, including new tactics designed to drain savings as described by the Federal Trade Commission. The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center also details tech support and government impersonation fraud targeting older adults.
3. Hyper personalized phishing and fake banking or charity sites
Emails and texts can look exactly like your bank or a well known charity, using personal details to appear credible. The FTC explains how to recognize and avoid phishing scams and provides guidance on checking links safely in their phishing overview.
4. Money mule and transfer schemes
You are asked to move money or packages to help a friend, a charity, or even a government official. The FBI’s Elder Fraud resources explain how these schemes work and what to do next, with more detail available in their annual Elder Fraud Report (PDF).
Q and A, real questions, clear answers
Q: Someone who sounds exactly like my grandson calls, says he is in trouble, and asks for money now. What should I do?
A: Hang up, call your grandson using the number you already have, and use a family safe word that only your family knows. Never send money by wire, gift card, or crypto.
Q: A pop up says my computer is infected and tells me to call a number. Should I allow remote access?
A: No. Close the window, do not call, and do not allow remote access. If you are worried, contact a trusted technician or your security software company directly.
Q: I received an email that looks like my bank and asks me to click a link and sign in. Is it safe?
A: Do not click. Type your bank address into your browser or use the official app. Check the web address and enable two factor authentication to secure your account.
Q: Someone online asked me to move money or forward a package as a favor. It seems helpful. Should I do it?
A: Do not do it. This can pull you into a money mule scheme. Talk with a trusted family member first and report suspicious requests if needed.
Simple definitions
Voice cloning: Technology that copies a real person’s voice so a scammer can sound like someone you know.
Phishing: Fake emails, texts, or calls that try to trick you into sharing passwords, card numbers, or personal data.
Two factor authentication, 2FA: A second step at login, usually a code sent to your phone, that protects your accounts even if someone knows your password.
Pop up: A small window that appears on your screen. Some are ads, others are fake warnings created by scammers to make you click or call.
URL, web address: The line of text at the very top of your screen when you are on a website. It usually begins with https://. Real organizations have simple, correct addresses, for example, www.thehouseagent.com. If the address looks odd, misspelled, or unfamiliar, do not enter personal information.
Watch the link before you click
- Move your mouse over the link to preview the real web address without clicking. If the preview does not match the organization’s site, do not click.
- Type the address yourself or use the official app rather than tapping a link from email or text.
- Ignore pop ups that tell you to call a phone number about security. Close the window and seek help from a trusted contact.
Scammers are getting smarter, but seniors can be smarter too. Pause before acting, verify any request with a trusted contact, use family safe words, turn on two factor authentication, and call your bank or the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center if something feels wrong. The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline can also offer support.
Have a suspicious call, text, or email, want a second opinion before you act, I am here to help, and I can share local resources for seniors and families.
Sources and helpful links
Robbyn Battles, Vice President, Senior Homes and Trust Sales, JohnHart Real Estate, senior real estate expert, senior scammers, AI voice cloning scams, phishing scams, tech support scams, money mule scams, protect seniors from scams, La Crescenta, Montrose, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, Sunland, Tujunga, Shadow Hills, Lake View Terrace, Pasadena, Altadena, Studio City, Foothill communities, senior living resources, elder fraud prevention, two factor authentication, safe word family code, verify before you pay, IC3 reporting, AARP Fraud Watch Network, FTC consumer advice, Robbyn Battles La Crescenta Realtor, Robbyn Battles