Seniors were cautioned against artificial intelligence and internet frauds that lead to financial abuse by ARP Rhode Island, Sen. Jack Reed, and the Financial Crimes Unit of the Rhode Island State Police.
The FBI reports that in 2023, over 100,000 senior individuals reported being conned and losing over $3.4 billion to scammers.
In the same year, seniors in Rhode Island lost $7.4 million to fraudsters, and the number of scams targeting this demographic increased.
AI technology, according to AARP, may have a role in the situation. This technology can mimic the voice of a friend, neighbor, or family member in order to request emergency funds.
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Senior residents were informed by AARP Rhode Island, the state police, and Sen. Reed:
- Never offer sensitive information to strangers over the phone, including passwords, social security numbers, or bank account information.
- A scammer may fabricate “urgent” notifications stating that your computer or account has been “compromised” in order to create a false sense of urgency, as no reputable company would ask you to use gift cards or cryptocurrency as payment.
- Instead of calling the number displayed on the screen, get in touch with a reliable source if a worrisome pop-up window on a computer indicates there is a virus.
- Unexpected solicitations to pay bills over the phone or prizes or incentives that are not requested should always raise suspicions.
- In case a caller requests an instant payment, don’t hesitate to end the call.
In the event of fraud, victims are advised to report it to the Federal Trade Commission’s online reporting facility here, as well as the local police.
Additionally, the National Elder Fraud Hotline of the United States Department of Justice can be reached at 1-833-372-8311.
By: abc6.com
