AI Scams Are Here: How to Protect Yourself in the Digital Age

The stories are heartbreaking. And they are everywhere. 

I travel around Alberta doing fraud prevention presentations for students, seniors and communities. As I am packing up after a talk, usually a small lineup of people gathers. They have questions and comments, but many of them just need someone to talk to. They need to finally tell someone about the scam that embarrassed them, the money they lost, or the phone call that left them feeling shaken. For many, it’s the first time they’ve said it out loud and you can almost see the weight lift when they realize they’re not alone, and that being targeted doesn’t mean they’re foolish.

How do we protect those who are most vulnerable in our world? October is Cybersecurity Month and these days Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on everyone’s minds. 

So why should we be worried, what can AI do for fraudsters?

1. More convincing phishing attacks. AI can generate realistic, personalized emails, texts, or even phone scripts that copy legitimate companies or loved ones.

2. Deepfakes and voice cloning. Scammers can now clone someone’s voice or face with just a short sample. Criminals have already used AI voice clones in “grandparent scams,” tricking people into believing their relative is calling in distress. Deepfake AI videos are also very convincing. Scammers may create a video that realistically mimics a politician, a celebrity or company to try to convince you to buy a product, click on a link, or invest in something that is not legitimate. 

3. Smarter social engineering. By analyzing public information (like social media posts), AI can craft tailored scams that feel personal. This makes victims more likely to trust and respond to them. Some scammers will study a target and then use AI to craft specific messages they believe that person or business may fall for.

4. Malware attacks. AI is being used to design malware that adapts to evade detection. For instance, it may change its behaviour to slip past traditional security systems.

AI is raising the stakes. Scams are becoming more convincing and harder to detect. For everyday people, especially aging relatives, the best protection is still awareness. Knowing that scams may now sound exactly like a loved one, or look like a perfectly written email, helps people pause, double-check, and avoid being tricked.

The rapid pace of change can feel overwhelming. That’s why approaching cybersecurity conversations with aging relatives in a way that’s patient, respectful, and practical makes all the difference.

Here are some strategies to make those conversations more effective and supportive:

Start with empathy, not fear or anger

Many older adults have been told, “Don’t fall for that,” which can feel like criticism. Instead, frame the conversation around staying safe. Remind them that anyone, at any age, can be targeted. By starting with empathy, you help your loved one feel respected and less embarrassed about asking questions.

Share real-world examples 

Stories stick with people. Talk about scams you’ve read about in the news, or ones that have affected someone in your community. Examples make the issue more real and easier to remember. You can even print a short article or share a trusted website to show what scams look like.

Keep language simple

Cybersecurity terms can sound intimidating. Instead of saying “multi-factor authentication,” explain it like this: “It’s an extra code on your phone in addition to your password like putting two locks on your front door instead of one.” 

Focus on a few habits

Too many rules at once can overwhelm. Stick to the basics. 

• Don’t click on unexpected links or attachments. Never give out banking or personal information over the phone or email.
• Use strong, unique passwords or consider a password manager together.
• Keep devices updated with the latest security updates.

Teach them to pause and verify

Scammers often use urgency or fear to push quick decisions. Encourage your relative to pause, take a breath, and verify before acting. Suggest that they call the official phone number of their bank, service provider, or family member to confirm the story.

Keep the conversation going

Let them know they can always come to you if they get a strange email, phone call, or text. Reassure them that asking questions is the smartest thing they can do, not a sign of weakness. If they feel comfortable reaching out, they’ll be far less likely to fall for a scam

I see this with so many scam survivors I meet. In many cases I am the first person they have told about what happened to them. They are too embarrassed to confide in friends or family. In some instances, attempts to confide in family left them feeling judged and alone. 

Talking about cybersecurity with aging relatives isn’t just about protecting money, it’s about protecting their confidence, independence, and peace of mind. The more supported they feel, the more empowered they’ll be to make safe choices. With empathy and practical tips we can all stay safer in the digital world.

For more resources and information visit these links: 

https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/cyber-security-awareness-month

https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en

You can also visit JulieMatthews.ca and follow her social media channels:

Instagram: @juliematthewstroubleshooter

X: @JulieMHelps

TikTok: @troubleshooterjulie

See more on MCSnet’s Cybersecurity Resource Page and Register for our Cybersecurity Webinar on October 22, HERE!