Bridging the Protection Gap: Innovative Approaches to Shield Older Adults from
AI-Enhanced Scams
LD Herrera
London Van Sickle
Dr. Ashley Podhradsky
Dakota State University
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Presented at:
IEEE 4th Cyber Awareness and Research Symposium 2024 (CARS'24)
October 28 - 29, 2024​
Background
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, offering both opportunities and risks. Scammers are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance their fraudulent activities, particularly targeting vulnerable older adults. This study explores the evolving landscape of AI-enhanced scams affecting older individuals and proposes updated defensive strategies.
Research Questions
RQ1: What components are frequently found in scams targeting older adults? RQ2: How will AI enhance these components?
RQ3: What defensive measures are needed against AI-enhanced scams targeting older adults?
Methodology
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Scam Anatomy: Analyzed 84 scams known to victimize older adults
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AI-Enhancements: Identified potential AI improvements to scam components
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Hypothetical Cases: Created two case studies (Tech Support and Romance scams)
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Case Analysis: Explored gaps in current defenses
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Recommendations: Proposed updated defensive measures
Scam Components
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Support Materials (Background Information, Technological Elements, Physical Materials)
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Communications (Text, images, audio, video)
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Processes (Design, training, targeting, reconnaissance, initial contact)
AI Enhancements
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Communications:
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Improved text generation and customization
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Realistic image and video creation (deepfakes)
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Voice alteration and synthesis
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Background: Comprehensive, customized stories
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Technologies: Improved exploitation of technological vulnerabilities
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Physical Materials: Rapid customization and high-quality design
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Processes: Enhanced targeting, training, and autonomous execution
Hypothetical Cases
Case I: Tech Support Scam
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AI-generated tech support representative "Alice"
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AI-enhanced website matching legitimate tech support providers
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Personalized communication matching victim's dialect and expectations
Case II: Romance Scam
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AI-generated romantic interest "Sam" with extensive background
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AI-created Facebook profile with realistic posts and connections
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AI-generated images to substantiate claims
Defensive Gaps:
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G1: Lack of connections to individuals who can provide elevated support
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G2: Current guidance focuses on self-protection knowledge
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G3: Inadequate encouragement and guidance for reporting cybercrimes
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G4: Outdated, ineffective, or inaccessible detection systems
Recommendations
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Awareness Training Programs:
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Collaborate with providers of adult services (healthcare, religious, financial, non-profit)
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Establish 24-hour call center for questions and reporting
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Use investigations and reports to update training material
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Legislation and Policy:
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Establish and fund a centralized scam defense organization
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Base funding on a percentage of annual projected losses
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Recovery:
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Reinstate tax deductions for promptly reported scam-related losses
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Modify Medicare to cover support group sessions for scam victims
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Emphasize quick reporting for potential financial recovery
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Technological Advancements:
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Develop easy-to-use, continuously updated AI-enhanced protective technologies
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Explore new technologies like AI-powered listening systems for scam detection
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Conclusion
This research anticipates future AI-enhanced threats and proposes proactive defensive measures to protect older adults from increasingly sophisticated scams. Even a 1% reduction in scam effectiveness could save millions of dollars from being lost to illicit activities. Implementing these recommendations could significantly improve the security and well-being of older adults in the AI era.