Protecting Aging Parents in the Age of AI
By Susan Chaityn Lebovits
As a senior caregiving advocate, I see many clients who have been targeted by scammers both online and on the phone. The people committing these crimes are often part of professional fraud networks using sophisticated technology, including incorporating tools powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), to make scams appear convincing and urgent.
AI gives thieves the ability to impersonate local bank phone numbers showing up on your loved one’s caller ID, including the identical hold music from their bank, hospital or credit card company to make the call sound authentic. Generative AI can also produce convincing photos, documents, or videos designed to support a scam. It can even clone the voice of a grandchild, creating an urgent story such as an accident or arrest requiring immediate money.
These scams can be devastating—not only financially, but emotionally. Shame and fear of loosing continued independence often prevents people from reporting what has happened.
The Growing Cost of Scams Targeting Older Adults
The scale of fraud targeting aging populations has grown dramatically:
Adults over age 60 lost nearly $4.9 billion to fraud in 2024, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, from 2020 to 2024, fraud losses reported by older adults increased fourfold, rising from about $600 million to $2.4 billion. Many experts believe actual losses are much higher, because again, victims do not report scams due to embarrassment or fear.
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The 5 most common scams targeting older adults in 2026
Grandparent scam: grandchild needs money to get out of trouble.
Bank fraud alerts: Alerting a senior to a dispute charge and offering help.
Tech support: Someone claims they will help fix your computer if you give them access.
Romance scams: Lure a victim into a friendship, then romance, then requests money for an ailing relative.
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5 Steps to Avoid a Scam
These five habits are recommended by agencies such as the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Never trust caller ID
Caller ID can be spoofed to display any number—even your bank or a government agency.
Rule: If the call is unexpected, assume it may be fake.
Hang up and call the organization directly using a trusted number.
If someone claims to be from your bank, Medicare, or a credit card company, Hang Up
Look up the official number on your card or statement.
Again, call the organization directly.
The goal is not to make our parents fearful—but informed and prepared.
One simple habit to instill—hang up and call back, This can prevent most scams.
Sometimes the best protection is simply reminding an aging parent: “You never have to handle these calls alone.”
Have a question or concern about your aging loved one? Contact us.
Click here to download a printable PDF to put near your loved one’s phone and computer.
If you think you were targeted, report the scam:
FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: https://www.ic3.gov
Reporting helps law enforcement track scams and protect others.
To learn more, listen to the SCAM episode on FREAKONOMICS
