AARP Connects With Google to Protect Older Adults Online

New Q&A covers consumer safety around tech and AI scams

Tracy Schorn,

AARP

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Published November 21, 2024

red and black spotlights on online scams

Paul Spella

When it comes to fighting online fraud, AARP is enlisting Google as an ally.

AARP’s director of fraud prevention programs Kathy Stokes sat down with Laurie Richardson, vice president for Trust & Safety at Google, to discuss how artificial intelligence has changed the online landscape and presents new challenges, especially when it comes to high-tech scams. In a Q&A published on Google’s Public Policy page, the two cover the latest innovations to protect older adults from fraud and how to improve digital literacy.

Communication and collaboration between organizations like Google and AARP help raise awareness, educate consumers and defend against these kinds of cyber threats. In 2022, thanks to a tip from the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline, Google successfully prosecuted its first consumer protection lawsuit. The scammer in this case was misusing Gmail and Google Voice to target older adults during the pandemic.

This type of teamwork keeps everyone safer online. “AARP research shows that people who trust technology do embrace technology,” Stokes said.

A fraud revolution

AI has become a powerful weapon for criminals, Stokes said in the interview.

“The ability of AI to improve and scale scam tactics is the equivalent of the Industrial Revolution for fraud criminals,” Stokes said. She cites an example of the “grandparent scam” where an impersonated grandchild claims they are facing an emergency and are in desperate need of financial help. AI technology that can mimic voices now makes this tactic a lot more convincing.

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But the same AI technology can also be deployed to fight back. Consumers want to see industry prioritize fraud detection with AI, Stokes said.

Google is building those new tools, Richardson noted. Gmail now blocks 99.9 percent of scams, she said, and “on Android devices we are using AI to automatically detect and flag scam calls.”

The challenge is to stay ahead of “every shift in technology” Richardson said.

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Stokes urged tech companies to do more for consumers by designing their platforms with built-in fraud fighting tools that could delete fake ads, malicious sites, and fraudulent social media accounts.

Tips for staying safe

Building awareness of scams is an important element in prevention. “The key is making sure older adults have the right information and tools they need to stay safe online,” Richardson said. She offered these strategies:

Slow it down: Scammers want to create a sense of urgency. Don’t give in to pressure.

Spot check: Do your research to double-check the details you are getting. Are there misspellings? Dubious addresses?

Stop! Don’t send: No reputable person or agency will ever demand payment or your personal information on the spot.

“If you didn’t initiate contact, be skeptical,” Richardson said. You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission.

Join Our Fight Against Fraud

Read the full interview between Stokes and Richards. For more resources visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network, a free resource that provides up-to-date information so consumers can spot and avoid scams. People who have experienced scams can connect with our fraud helpline specialists who provide support and guidance on what to do next. Anyone can call the helpline at 877-908-3360.

AARP has long advocated for ways to protect older adults from scams and fraud. For example, AARP is backing bipartisan federal legislation that would deliver resources to state and local law enforcement to help authorities investigate financial crimes, including those targeting older adults. The AARP Fraud Watch Network helps older adults spot and avoid scams. Get information on how to avoid holiday scams this season and how to spot online shopping scams.