AI can clone a voice. A text can look like it came from your bank. A “great deal” can cost you thousands.
Scams are getting harder to spot, especially as technology gives scammers new ways to make their stories look and sound convincing. Older adults are often targeted through scams involving finances, healthcare, technology, family relationships, and trust. And the stakes are high. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, Americans age 60 and older reported nearly $7.75 billion in losses from cyber-enabled fraud in 2025.
So, how confident are you that you would recognize a scam before it was too late?
Whether you’re looking out for yourself, a parent, a neighbor, or someone else you love, understanding how scams are changing is an important first step.
What If the Caller Sounds Like Someone You Love?
Imagine your phone rings and the voice on the other end sounds just like your child or grandchild. They tell you something has happened. They’re scared. They need money, and they need it now. Would you know whether the call was real? Artificial intelligence can now be used to imitate voices and create realistic images, videos, and messages. That means some of the clues we once relied on to decide whether something was legitimate may not be enough anymore.
AI and deepfake scams are just one of the emerging threats we’ll explore at Scam Jam 2026, including what to look for and what to do when something doesn’t feel right.
Would You Know If That Text Really Came From Your Bank?
A text says there’s suspicious activity on your account. An email asks you to verify your information. A caller tells you your money isn’t safe. At first glance, the message might look legitimate. It may use your bank’s name, familiar language, or even information about you.
Banking and mortgage scams can take many forms, and knowing the difference between a legitimate request and a scam isn’t always as simple as spotting a misspelled word or suspicious email address. At Scam Jam, experts will break down how these scams work, the red flags to watch for, and steps you can take to protect your money and personal information.
When Does a Financial Offer Cross the Line?
Not every financial threat starts with an obviously suspicious phone call or email. Predatory lending practices can involve confusing terms, excessive fees, high-pressure tactics, or financial offers that aren’t what they first appear to be. And when a home, savings, or another major asset is involved, understanding exactly what you’re agreeing to matters.
How can you recognize a potentially harmful offer? What questions should you ask? And when should you walk away?
We’ll talk about it at Scam Jam.
Scams Don’t All Look the Same
AI, banking, and lending are only part of the picture. Government impersonation, Medicare and healthcare fraud, investment schemes, romance scams, fake charities, sweepstakes, family emergencies, and other scams can all be designed to take advantage of trust, fear, excitement, or urgency.
Knowing what to look for can help you stay one step ahead.
Learn the Red Flags at Scam Jam 2026
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Join us for Scam Jam 2026, a day of expert-led sessions designed to help you recognize today’s scams and know what to do when something doesn’t feel right.
We’ll cover AI and deepfake scams, banking and mortgage scams, predatory lending, fraud prevention, consumer protection, technology scams, and more. You’ll have the chance to hear from experts, ask questions, and leave with practical information you can use to protect yourself and the people you love.
Scam Jam 2026
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
Athens Community Council on Aging
135 Hoyt Street, Athens, GA 30601
Tickets are $15 and include a boxed lunch.