Article by Martin Bailey, AARP Community Ambassador, Silver Shield Task Force
(Posted 2023 December)
You may have noticed that artificial intelligence (AI) has been in the news a lot lately. The applications and potential uses for AI have amazed the public while also stirring fierce debate. Proponents view AI as a valuable tool that can provide numerous benefits when used properly, while detractors warn of dire consequences if AI use isn’t properly regulated.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence is a computer system made up of algorithms and models that enable machines to perceive reason, learn, and make decisions similar to humans.
In practice, AI is software that enables the processing of large amounts of data to solve tasks that otherwise require human intelligence, such as image recognition, video analytics, voice recognition, text recognition, and understanding language.
Some areas that AI is being used are natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, healthcare, finance, and transportation. AI systems have the potential to automate repetitive tasks, enhance productivity, improve decision-making processes, and contribute to scientific advancements. Some AI systems may also be able to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across various domains, similar to human intelligence.
It is important to note that AI is still a developing field, and while significant progress has been made, there are challenges to overcome. Ethical considerations, bias in AI algorithms, privacy concerns, and the impact on the job market are a few of the issues that need to be carefully addressed as AI continues to advance. AI has and will have many more applications that benefit society.
Scams That Use Artificial Intelligence
Unfortunately, society’s criminal element has already found ways to use AI. Nearly all the scams out there can be enhanced with the use of AI, including social engineering scams. Social engineering scams incorporate a range of techniques used to psychologically manipulate a victim into providing sensitive information or money. Scams of this type include:
- Impersonator scams
- Romance scams
- Tech/Pop Up scams
- Financial/Investment scams
Scammers are using natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to create messages that mimic the writing style of a trusted source or exploit personal data to craft personalized scams. AI can also make the scripts more convincing, which provides a greater emotional impact. AI-powered chatbots can also be used to simulate human-like conversations. These AI enabled enhancements can make it harder for recipients to discern between legitimate and fraudulent communications. AI can also be used by scammers to better pinpoint their targets so instead of sending phishing emails to a larger pool of targets, they can send spear phishing emails to selective targets.
Another concern is that AI may be used to develop sophisticated malware and automated attack tools. By leveraging machine learning techniques, attackers can create malware that will adapt and evolve to evade traditional cybersecurity defenses, making it more challenging to detect and mitigate.
How to Spot AI Generated Messages
- Unnatural Language: Many times, AI generated text will lack a natural conversation type flow. It may contain grammatical mistakes, strange language and phrases and a tone not consistent with the conversation.
- Lack of Contextual Understanding: If it appears that the responses you receive do not show a meaningful understanding to your question or are generic or unrelated to your queries, chances are it is an AI scam.
- Lack of Personalization: Scammers may use AI to send mass messages without personalization. You should be suspicious if you receive generic messages that do not address you by name or provide specific details related to your personal circumstances or history.
- Word Repetition: Look for text that uses the same words repeatedly or the overuse of buzzwords.
How to Protect Yourself from Scams
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails, text messages and phone calls.
- Always communicate through a secure and verified messaging platform rather than an unsecured platform. These sites start with https and will have a pad lock icon.
- Use two-factor or multi-factor authentication.
- Use a random password generator and a password manager to generate and store strong passwords.
- Verify the source before clicking on any links or downloading any files.
- Never give a stranger money or personal identifiable information.
- If you suspect you are the target of a scam, stop communicating with the scammer immediately and report the incident to the authorities.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam:
- Call the Fairfax County Police Non-Emergency Line at 703-691-2131, TTY 711.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
- Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 877-908-3360 with your concern.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).