Higher-riskArticle link

Spotting AI-Generated Scams and Impersonations in Dementia Care

AI-generated scams and impersonations are a growing threat for people living with dementia. Scammers can now clone a loved one's voice or create fake social media profiles that look exactly like a trusted caregiver or organization. This article helps you understand how these scams work, why they are so convincing, and what concrete steps you can take to protect your family member without stripping away their dignity or independence. You are not alone in this fight, and there are practical, compassionate ways to stay ahead of these fraudsters.

Key points

  • AI can clone voices and create fake videos that are nearly impossible to distinguish from the real person.
  • Create a family code word and practice it regularly to verify identity in calls and messages.
  • Use call-blocking devices, privacy settings on social media, and a dedicated device for video calls.
  • Never argue with your loved one if they believe a scam is real; validate their feelings and redirect.
  • Do not take away their phone or internet entirely; instead, add layers of protection while preserving dignity.
  • Report scams to the FTC and local law enforcement to help stop them from targeting others.

What Are AI-Generated Scams and Why Are They So Dangerous?

AI-generated scams use artificial intelligence to create highly realistic fake voices, videos, or messages. For example, a scammer might clone your voice from a short social media clip and then call your loved one pretending to be you, saying something like 'I'm in trouble, I need money.' The person with dementia hears your exact voice, your tone, and even your speech patterns, making it nearly impossible for them to tell it's a scam. As one expert noted, scammers are so good at this that even caregivers can be fooled. The danger is magnified because dementia can impair a person's ability to remember warnings or to question what they hear, especially when the voice sounds exactly like someone they trust.

How Impersonation Works on Social Media and in Videos

Scammers also create fake social media accounts that steal the name, photo, and posts of a real person or organization. For instance, there are fake accounts pretending to be dementia care experts like Teepa Snow or Dementia Careblazers. These accounts repost real content but add fraudulent links or messages asking for money or personal information. In videos, scammers can use AI to make it look like a trusted person is saying something they never said. As Teepa Snow herself described, scammers can take a real video of her and change the words on the screen while her mouth appears to say something else. This is incredibly hard to detect, especially for someone with dementia who may not remember to check the URL or verify the source.

Why People with Dementia Are Particularly Vulnerable

Dementia affects memory, judgment, and the ability to recognize inconsistencies. A person may not remember that you warned them about scams, or they may forget that they already sent money to someone. They may also experience delusions or paranoia, which scammers can exploit. For example, a scammer might pretend to be a bank representative and say 'Your account has been compromised, we need to move your money to a safe account.' The person with dementia, already feeling anxious, may believe this because it matches their own fears. Additionally, loneliness and isolation make seniors more vulnerable to scams, as they may welcome any call or message that seems friendly or familiar.

General caregiving information, not medical advice. Check medications and major care changes with your clinician.

Step-by-step

  1. Create a family code word that only you and your loved one know. Teach them: 'If someone calls and says they are me, ask for the code word. If they don't know it, hang up.' Practice this regularly, even if they remember it one day and forget the next. Write the code word on a card near the phone.

  2. Set up caller ID on their phone and program it to show your name and a photo. Show them how to look at the screen before answering. If the call is from an unknown number, let it go to voicemail. Check the voicemail yourself later.

  3. Use a call-blocking service or device that automatically screens calls from unknown numbers. Many phone companies offer free or low-cost options for seniors. For cell phones, enable 'silence unknown callers' in settings.

  4. Dementia-proof their social media accounts by adjusting privacy settings to 'friends only' and turning off direct messages from strangers. On Facebook, go to Settings > Privacy > Who can send you friend requests? and set it to 'Friends of friends.' Also turn off the ability for anyone to tag them without approval.

  5. Teach your loved one to never click on links in emails or messages, even if they look like they are from you or a trusted organization. Instead, have them call you directly to verify. If they are not comfortable with this, set up their email to automatically filter messages from unknown senders into a separate folder that you check.

  6. If they use a computer, install ad-blockers and anti-phishing extensions. Also set up parental controls (which work well for older adults too) to block known scam websites. Think of this as dementia-proofing the internet, not limiting them.

  7. When you visit, do a quick check of their recent call log, email inbox, and social media messages. Look for any suspicious contacts or requests. If you see something, do not confront them angrily. Instead, say something like 'I noticed this message from someone I don't recognize. Let's look at it together.'

  8. If a scammer has already contacted them and they are upset, do not argue or tell them they are wrong. Instead, validate their feelings first: 'I can see why that call scared you. Let's figure out what to do together.' Then help them block the number and report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

  9. For video calls, set up a second device (like a tablet) that only you and trusted family members can use to call them. Teach them to only answer video calls from that device. If someone video calls from a different number, they should not answer.

  10. If you suspect an AI voice clone has been used, change your voicemail greeting and your loved one's voicemail greeting to include a unique phrase that only you know. For example, 'You've reached Mom's phone. If this is a scam, remember that real family members always say the word 'sunflower.' This makes it harder for scammers to clone your voice accurately.

What not to do

  • Do not argue with your loved one if they believe a scam is real. Arguing only increases their distress and makes them more likely to double down. Instead, say 'I can see why you thought that was real. Let's check together.'

  • Do not take away their phone or internet access entirely. This can increase isolation and make them more vulnerable to scams that prey on loneliness. Instead, use safety settings and supervision.

  • Do not assume they will remember your warnings from one day to the next. Repetition is key, but do it gently. Each time, say 'Remember our code word? Let's practice it again.'

  • Do not blame yourself or them if a scam succeeds. Scammers are professionals and AI makes it incredibly hard. Focus on what you can do now to prevent the next one.

  • Do not ignore small signs of confusion about who is calling or messaging. Even if they seem fine, a single scam call can cause significant financial or emotional harm. Be proactive.

Practical tools

  • Family Code Word Card

    Write a simple code word (like 'bluebird' or 'pancake') on an index card. Tape it next to the phone and on the fridge. Practice using it: 'If someone calls and says they are me, ask them for the code word. If they don't say it, hang up and call me.'

  • Call-Blocking Device or Service

    Products like CPR Call Blocker or Nomorobo can automatically block robocalls and known scam numbers. Many phone companies offer free call screening for landlines. For cell phones, enable 'Silence Unknown Callers' in settings (iPhone) or 'Call Screen' (Android).

  • Social Media Privacy Checklist

    A short checklist you can run through monthly: (1) Set profile to private. (2) Turn off direct messages from strangers. (3) Disable tagging without approval. (4) Remove any friends you don't recognize. (5) Report any fake accounts impersonating you or your loved one.

  • The 'Two-Device' Rule for Video Calls

    Designate one specific tablet or phone for video calls with trusted family only. Program only those contacts into it. Teach your loved one to only answer video calls on that device. If someone calls from a different number, they should let it ring and call you to check.

  • Voicemail with a Unique Phrase

    Record a voicemail greeting that includes a unique word or phrase that scammers cannot guess. For example: 'Hi, this is Mom. If this is a scam, remember that real family members always say the word 'sunflower' when they call.' This makes it harder for AI voice cloning to succeed.

  • The 'Pause and Call' Rule

    Teach your loved one: 'If anyone calls or messages asking for money, personal information, or saying they are a family member in trouble, do not respond. Pause, hang up, and call me immediately.' Practice this with role-play scenarios.

Discuss with your clinician

If your loved one has already lost money to a scam and is experiencing severe distress or paranoia, ask their doctor about counseling or medication to manage anxiety.

If you are considering using a monitoring app or device to track their phone calls or online activity, discuss the legal and ethical implications with a social worker or elder law attorney.

If your loved one has a history of being easily scammed and you are considering taking over their finances, ask their doctor for a referral to a financial planner who specializes in elder care.

If you suspect that a scammer has obtained their Social Security number or bank account information, contact their doctor's office for a referral to a victim assistance program.

Related guides

Sources