The same artificial intelligence that powers smart speakers and voice assistants is now being used by scammers to target older adults. Researchers from Florida State University are sounding the alarm: AI-generated voice calls are making it harder than ever for seniors to tell the difference between a real family emergency and a sophisticated con. Here on the Suncoast, where retirees and snowbirds make up a large part of our community, this is a threat we need to take seriously.
According to assistant professor Julie Brancale and Dean Thomas Blomberg, older adults are especially vulnerable because they often have accumulated wealth, live on fixed incomes, and may experience age-related changes like mild cognitive decline. The scammers create a sense of urgency, making victims feel like they have to act immediately. But the experts say the best defense is slowing down. If someone calls demanding money and tells you not to tell anyone, that is a huge red flag. Hang up and call a trusted family member or friend before taking any action.
The FSU team is pushing for more education at every level, including college classrooms, to train the next generation to recognize and report these crimes. The most important thing you can do right now is talk to your older relatives. Make a plan. Agree on a code word or a simple rule: always call back on a known number before sending money. Have you talked to your family about AI voice scams yet?
