Scams & AI

Welcome

• Introduction about me, about my project and why it’s important
• Helps reduce loneliness and social isolation.
• Keeps people connected with family and friends.
• Support brain health through learning new skills.
• Improves safety through emergency set up, awareness about scams, and understanding AI.

1. Icebreaker: “Scam or Legit?”

2. Elderly are targeted by scammers — Always be cautious!

Research shows that people over the age of 60 are especially at risk to scams. In just one year, nearly $5 billion was reported lost to online scams by this demographic. Experts agree that the actual number is likely even higher due to underreporting.

Scams against older adults can have negative mental and physical effects.

3. What Is a Scam?

A scam is someone trying to trick you into giving them:

• Money
• Passwords or log in info
• Credit/debit card information or banking info
• Personal information like social security number
• Access to your computer or phone

Why are Seniors Targeted?

• Decreased suspicion
• Not good at seeing red flags
• Slower brain speed
• Dementia or confusion

4. Red Flags to Look Out For

• Fake delivery notices, bank alerts, prize messages, strange links, unknown senders, request for codes.
• If there is urgency, like they want you to act fast or something bad will happen.

5. Common Scams Seniors Should Know

Grandchild / Emergency Scam

“Grandma, I'm in jail and I need money immediately!”

What to do: Call the grandchild or another family member directly using a number you already have.

Bank Scam

“This is your bank. We need your account information.”

What to do: Don't give passwords or verification codes to unexpected callers. Find the bank's number and call them yourself, or go to the bank in person.

Tech Support Scam

A pop-up says: “VIRUS DETECTED! CALL THIS NUMBER IMMEDIATELY!”

What to do: Don’t call the number on the pop-up. Close the window and call or email the technology company through its official website or support number.

Romance Scam

Someone you met online says: “I love you, but I'm having an emergency. Can you send me money?”

What to do: Scammers sometimes build relationships online and eventually ask for money. Ask a trusted family member before doing anything.

Prize / Lottery Scam

“You won $10,000! Just pay a $500 processing fee.”

What to do: Ignore it. Don’t pay money to get a prize.

6. What to do If I think something is a scam?

• STOP: Don't click, respond, or send money. Don’t do anything.
• THINK: Does this make sense? Was I expecting this?
• VERIFY: Call the bank, company, or institution directly to confirm. Don't use the contact info that they provide you - it could be fake.
• ASK: Ask someone you trust like a family member or friend and see what they say about it.

7. Oh no, I got scammed!!! What do I do?

Don't Panic!

• If it has to do with money, call your bank or credit card company and report it immediately.
• If it has to do with your password or online account, change your password immediately and monitor the account for suspicious activity.
• If you gave out your social security number or other sensitive information, go to identitytheft.gov right away.
• You can also freeze your credit, report it to the government, and even contact the IRS.

8. Set up Spam Filter on your phone!

Go to settings → search phone → click on phone apps → scroll down to Call Filtering → toggle on Spam.

9. AI — Artificial Intelligence

• Can be a useful technology tool that is being integrated into our lives.
• Easy to use, but not always correct. So use with caution.
• Common AI tools: ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude.

10. How can AI Help me?

• At home: make a shopping list, find recipes, medication reminders, general help with absolutely anything.
• At medical appointments: make a list of questions for your doctor, set future appointments with reminders.
• Mental and Physical wellness: AI voice tools can make it easier to contact family and friends for connection or for help, it can give you a personalized exercise plan with instructions, and it can help you spot scams.

11. What to Watch Out For

• Don't share private or banking information: your social security number, banking info, passwords.
• AI is not always accurate.
• AI generated images, videos and voices can be used to trick you.
• When in doubt, ask a trusted person like your family or friend.