The Newest Scams Targeting Older Adults — And How to Spot the Red Flags

Older adults are prime targets for scammers, and today’s fraudsters are leveraging powerful technology to make their schemes more believable than ever. From AI-generated emails to manipulated videos, these scams are becoming sophisticated enough to fool even the most vigilant. Knowing the latest tactics — and the signs to watch for — can help you and your loved ones stay protected.

Here are some of the most concerning scams on the rise right now, plus practical tips for recognizing and avoiding them:

🎙 Voice Cloning Scams: Sounds Like Family, But It’s a Fraud

With just a few seconds of recorded audio — from a social media video, voicemail greeting, or even a Zoom call — scammers can now clone a loved one’s voice. The result? You might receive a frantic call claiming to be your grandchild in trouble, urgently asking for money or personal information. Because the voice sounds familiar, it’s easy to fall for.

Red Flag: A call or voicemail from a loved one asking for immediate financial help, especially if they pressure you to act without verifying.

🎥 Deepfakes: Seeing Isn’t Always Believing

Deepfake technology can create realistic videos and images of people saying or doing things they never did. Scammers use deepfakes to impersonate trusted figures — a bank representative, a government agent, or even a family member — to build credibility before demanding payment or sensitive data.

Red Flag: A video that seems off in subtle ways — unnatural blinking, robotic speech, or odd facial movements — especially when used to solicit money or information.

📧 Phishing 2.0: AI-Powered Emails and Texts

Forget the days of poorly worded phishing emails. Scammers now use artificial intelligence to craft emails and texts that read perfectly, appear professional, and even reference real details pulled from social media or hacked data.

Red Flag: Unexpected messages asking you to reset passwords, confirm account details, or click on links, even if they look official.

🌐 Fake Websites: Nearly Indistinguishable from the Real Thing

Scammers are creating websites that look identical to those of reputable organizations, including banks, hospitals, and online stores. Their goal is to trick you into entering login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal information.

Red Flag: URLs with small typos (like “amzon.com”), websites with odd pop-ups, or requests for payment on unfamiliar sites.

🕵️ Hyper-Personalized Scams: Tailored to Fool You

Scammers can gather personal information from social media to craft highly targeted attacks. They may know your hobbies, recent trips, or family details, making their stories feel authentic.

Red Flag: Messages or calls referencing private information, paired with urgent requests for money, gift cards, or personal data.

🔌 Juice Jacking: A Hidden Threat at Airports

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently renewed warnings about “juice jacking,” a cyberattack where hackers tamper with public USB charging ports to steal data or install malware on your device when you plug in. Busy travelers, especially in crowded terminals, are vulnerable because they’re often distracted and less likely to notice suspicious ports. Try these tips to stay safe in the airport

✅ Use your charger: Plug your device into a wall outlet with your own cable and adapter.

✅ Skip public USB ports: Many airports and coffee shops offer USB ports — avoid them to protect your device.

✅ Carry a power bank: Keep a fully charged, TSA-compliant portable charger.

✅ Enable USB restrictions: Set your phone to charge-only mode to block data transfers.

✅ Look for tampering: Avoid ports that are loose, damaged, or appear altered.

✅ Avoid public Wi-Fi: Never use free Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like banking or online shopping.

Scammers will continue to evolve, but knowledge is your first line of defense. Talk to your older loved ones about these threats, remind them to stay skeptical of urgent requests — even those that look or sound familiar — and encourage them to double-check before sending money or sharing personal information. Keeping your guard up in an age of AI-powered scams isn’t paranoia; it’s smart. Stay informed, stay cautious, and help others do the same.

Do you need help navigating the long-term care journey with an elderly loved one? Kimbrough Law is here for you. Call 706.850.6910 to schedule a consultation.