The exciting new capabilities of artificial intelligence within healthcare also have attracted scammers who are now deploying sophisticated AI-deep fakes and phishing to target older adults, stealing money and personal information.
A newly launched online program is designed to address this threat and teach seniors about how to “distinguish truth from fiction.”
The program, “Scam Guard in the AI Era,” is created by senior learning platform GetSetUp, the company recently announced.
“Scam Guard sessions represent empowerment in an era marked by evolving digital threats,” the company’s website reads. “By educating and equipping our community with essential skills, we are not only protecting them against scams; we are nurturing astute digital citizens capable of thriving in an AI-driven world.”
The program, which runs throughout the weekday, includes courses such as “AI Scams 101: A Quick Overview,” “Don’t Get Tricked: AI Voice Scam Awareness” and “Deepfakes Demystified: Understanding AI-Generated Media.”
The goal behind the classes is not for older adults to develop a fear or mistrust of AI, the company said, noting that AI tools can benefit them in many ways. But the more educated they are, the less likely they are to fall prey to its misuses.
Many senior living operators are offering tech literacy classes or partnering with education providers to help teach residents about new technology, although the scope of such offerings often is more about making sure they know how to use devices and smartphone apps rather than dodge a scheme from decoy Steve Harvey.
The latter was part of a recent cyberscam, which also deployed deep-fake versions of Taylor Swift and Joe Rogan to target Medicare recipients, Newsweek reported.
Older adults overall are accepting the use of AI in their healthcare routines but remain concerned about the lack of transparency over how and where their personal data are collected and used, a recent survey showed.
Congress and the White House both have raised the alarm about AI scams that target older adults, although that concern mostly has resulted in discussions at hearings rather than concrete legislation.
