Grandchildren Swindling Elders by Employing Deceitful Tactics on Solid Rock Assets
Calls claiming unexpected disaster, hospitalization, or robbery are all too common - and often scams. Even with AI assistance, these fraudsters aim to drain your bank account. Here's how to stay on the safe side.
Be Aware – Even AI Can Fool Us
Scammers are now using AI to mimic voices, making their calls sound authentic. Don't let fake grandchildren or friends catch you off guard.
Recognize the Trickery
Scammers depend on surprise and emotional blackmail. They pretend to be loved ones in distress, demanding money urgently. Be mindful of such tactics.
How to Protect Yourself
- Pause and Assess: Before sending any money, reflect on the situation.
- Verify the Caller: Contact another family member using trustworthy channels to confirm the call's authenticity.
- Secret Family Code Word: Share a secret code word or phrase with your loved ones. Ask the caller for it to confirm their identity.
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated about the latest scams, especially those involving AI and voice cloning. Share this knowledge with others to boost awareness.
- Be Skeptical: Don't share personal details over the phone unless you're sure of the caller's true identity. Be cautious with Caller ID, as it can be easily fake.
- Urgent Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Verify stories before taking any action.
Additional Safety Measures
- Call-Blocking Technology: Set up features that filter out known scam numbers or use specialized apps.
- Family Communication: Discuss these scams with your loved ones and devise strategies to verify each other's identities during emergencies.
By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can significantly minimize the risk of falling for grandparent scams, even those with AI-generated voices.
Share the knowledge about common grandparent scams and AI-generated voices with your community to help protect everyone from falling victim. Regularly monitor general news, crime-and-justice, and education-and-self-development categories for updates on emerging scam tactics.
