HARRISBURG, Pa., July 31,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AARP Pennsylvania is
alerting residents about a rising wave of sophisticated Artificial
Intelligence (AI) scams targeting older adults. With AI becoming
increasingly advanced, scammers are using tools like deepfake
videos and voice cloning to deceive individuals into handing over
money and personal information.
Watch AARP Pennsylvania's Fraud Watch Alert
about AI Scams on YouTube.
Mary Bach, AARP Pennsylvania
Volunteer and Chair of the Consumer Issues Task Force, highlights
the dangers. "The misuse of AI in scams is a growing concern.
Scammers can now convincingly mimic the voices and faces of trusted
individuals, making it harder than ever to distinguish between
what's real and what's fake. We must stay informed and cautious to
protect ourselves."
A recent incident in Hong Kong
illustrates the potential damage. A finance worker was tricked into
wiring $25.6 million after
participating in a videoconference with what appeared to be his
company's CFO and other executives. The entire interaction was a
sophisticated AI-generated hoax.
David Kalinoski, AARP Associate
State Director, emphasizes the need for vigilance. "AI technology
can create incredibly realistic scams. We urge everyone to verify
any unusual requests, especially those involving financial
transactions. Always contact the person or company directly using
known contact information before taking any action."
To protect yourself from AI scams, AARP Pennsylvania recommends
the following tips:
- Verify Caller Identity: If you receive a call from
someone claiming to be from a business or a family member in
crisis, hang up and call back using a known number.
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Requests: Never give out
personal or financial information in response to unexpected
requests.
- Use Safe Communication Practices: Avoid clicking on
links in unsolicited emails or text messages. Instead, visit the
website directly by typing the URL into your browser.
- Set Up Family Codes: Establish a secret code word with
family members to confirm identities during emergency calls.
You can sign up for free, biweekly Watchdog Alerts to have
information on the latest scams delivered right to your phone. Text
FWN to 50757.
Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP,
call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Pennsylvania
Fraud Resource Page at
aarp.org/pafraud.
About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization
dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they
live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens
communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than
100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security,
financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for
individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and
allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to
carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information,
AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP
The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more,
visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or
follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social
media.
Contact:
TJ Thiessen
tthiessen@aarp.org
717-381-7420
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SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania