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Protecting Our Parents: Keeping Our Loved Ones Safe From Fraud
Voice Clones, Deepfakes, and Fake Charities: The New Playbook Targeting Our Parents.
Spencer Coursen
August 18, 2025
Our elderly parents and relatives built the world we live in, yet they are increasingly targeted by scams designed to exploit trust, politeness, and unfamiliarity with new technology. Today, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has made these scams more dangerous than ever.
AI now allows criminals to clone voices, imitate officials, and create personalized phishing messages that feel heartbreakingly real.
In 2024, older adults lost nearly $5 billion to fraud and scams.
AI-powered phishing is surging, with 142 million malicious clicks blocked in just one quarter.
Deepfake voices and videos are being used in “grandchild in trouble” schemes, fake tech support calls, and fraudulent giveaways.
Why Older Adults Are Targeted
Statistically, adults over 60 are:
More likely to own a home, have modest savings, and hold good credit.
More likely to have been raised to be polite to strangers.
Less likely to report fraud for fear of appearing incapable to family members.
Fraudsters know this.
They also know that financial crimes against the elderly are rarely prosecuted, making them a “low-risk, high-reward” crime for offenders. Elderly victims are 34% more likely to lose money than those in their 40s when targeted.
How AI Is Changing the Game
Generative AI has taken scamming to the next level:
Phishing emails and texts are now grammatically flawless and hyper-personalized, mimicking banks, government agencies, or loved ones.
AI-driven bots on social media and messaging apps impersonate real people, often luring victims into romantic or investment scams.
Deepfake audio and video convincingly replicate trusted voices and faces, tricking victims into handing over Social Security numbers, bank credentials, and other sensitive information.
Scams that once seemed obvious now appear frighteningly legitimate. We must protect ourselves and our loved ones accordingly.
Five Protective Strategies You Can Teach Your Parents Today:
1. If you don’t recognize the number, you don’t have to answer.
Phones come with caller ID for a reason. If your parent doesn’t recognize the name or number, let it go to voicemail. A legitimate caller will leave a message. This isn’t rude. It’s safe. (The same goes for any unsolicited communication like an email or a DM: when in doubt, throw it out.)
2. If I call you, I have to prove myself to you. If you call me, you have to prove yourself to me.
Scammers impersonate banks, utilities, and even the IRS. But no legitimate business or agency will ever call and ask for a full SS# or personal data. The burden of proof is on the caller. Teach them: never give sensitive info over the phone, to anyone, ever.
3. Phone a Friend
Big decisions deserve second opinions. If someone pressures you to decide immediately, stop. Run it by your “favorite five” — doctor, lawyer, accountant, trusted family, or lifelong friend. Delay is protection.
Big decisions deserve second opinions. If a scammer pressures them into deciding on the spot, remind them that their first defense is to delay and get a second opinion. Their doctor, lawyer, accountant, close family, or a lifelong friend should always be consulted first.
4. Strangers don’t ask strangers for help — and they don’t give away money.
The rule is simple: if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Scammers exploit kindness and hope, whether by offering “free money” or inventing an urgent crisis. Remind your loved ones that caution is protection and skepticism is their strongest shield.
5. “No, Thank You” Stops Scams in Their Tracks
Scammers often strike after a crisis and during the holidays, posing as charities to exploit goodwill. Remind your loved ones: “No, Thank You” is a complete sentence. If they truly want to give, they should research and donate directly to reputable organizations. That small step makes sure their generosity goes to the real causes they care about.
Disagree with anything? Hit reply—I always read your responses.
Live Smart. Stay Safe.
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