Rhode Island warns senior citizens to be aware of phone scams

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — AARP Rhode Island, the Rhode Island State Police’s Financial Crimes Unit, and Sen. Jack Reed warned senior citizens of artificial intelligence and online scams that result in financial exploitation.

More than 100,000 senior citizens reported getting scammed in 2023, losing over $3.4 billion to criminals, according to the FBI.

Rhode Islanders over the age of 60 lost $7.4 million the same year, with scams aimed at seniors rising, resulting in more financial losses.

AARP said the reason can in-part be due to AI technology, which has the ability to use a family member, friend, or neighbor’s voice asking for emergency money. 

AARP Rhode Island, the state police, and Sen, Reed told senior citizens:

• Never give personal information, such as bank information, a social security number, or passwords to unknown callers over the phone.
• “Urgent” notices that claim an account or computer has been ‘compromised’ can be a scammer creating a false sense of urgency, since no legitimate entity will urge you to pay with crypto currency or gift cards.
• If a concerning pop-up appears on a computer claiming there is a virus, contact a trusted source first, not the number on the screen.
• Always be skeptical of unsolicited prizes, offers, or unexpected requests to pay bills over the phone.
• Don’t be afraid to hang up the phone if a call demands an immediate form of payment.

If fraud occurs, victims should report it to both local police and the Federal Trade Commission’s online reporting portal here.

The U.S. Department of Justice also has a National Elder Fraud Hotline available to help at 1-833-372-8311.