AI Scams and the Law: Who Protects You?
One of the most concerning things about AI is how it’s being used by "bad actors" to create more convincing scams. From "voice cloning" that sounds like a grandchild to fake "urgent" notices from the bank, it can feel like the scammers have gained a powerful new weapon.
You might be asking, "Is anyone doing anything to stop this?" The answer is yes, but the legal system is still playing "catch-up." While there aren't many laws that mention "AI" by name yet, the people using these tools to steal are still breaking very old and very serious laws against fraud and theft.
Think of it like a thief using a new, high-tech crowbar. The crowbar might be new, but the act of "breaking and entering" is still a crime that the police can investigate.
The "New" Laws on the Way
Many states are currently passing specific laws against "Deepfakes"—which are AI-generated videos or voices used to trick people. These new laws make it a specific crime to use someone's likeness without their permission, especially for scams or to influence elections.
Law enforcement agencies are also starting to use AI themselves to "catch a thief." They use smart software to track where scam calls are coming from and to spot the patterns that scammers use to hide their tracks.
Your Personal "Trust System"
While the law works to catch the bad guys, we recommend building your own "Trust System" at home. In AI for Boomers, we suggest using a "Family Safe Word"—a secret word only you and your loved ones know. If you get a suspicious call, even if it sounds just like a grandchild, you can ask for the safe word to verify who they are.
You don't have to be a tech expert to outsmart a scammer. You just need to give yourself a "small pause" between the feeling and the action. That pause is often your best defense.
You've got this! Taking these small steps today makes you much safer tomorrow.
Talk to your family today about setting up a "Family Safe Word" for your phone calls. It only takes two minutes and provides a lifetime of protection.