Intergenerational Support for Deepfake Scams Targeting Older Adults

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Authors: Karina LaRubbio, Alyssa Lanter, Seihyun Lee, Mahima Ramesh, Diana Freed

Published: 2025-08-15 16:37:59+00:00

Comment: 3 pages, poster at the Twenty-First Symposium on Usable Privacy and Security (SOUPS) at https://www.usenix.org/conference/soups2025/presentation/larubbio-poster

AI Summary

This study explores older adults' perceptions of deepfake scams, which employ convincing audio and visual impersonations, and their strategies for responding to these threats. Through focus groups, it highlights older adults' reliance on trusted intergenerational relationships for scam detection and developing protective practices. The research identifies opportunities to engage youth as active partners in enhancing resilience across generations against AI-enhanced financial exploitation.

Abstract

AI-enhanced scams now employ deepfake technology to produce convincing audio and visual impersonations of trusted family members, often grandchildren, in real time. These attacks fabricate urgent scenarios, such as legal or medical emergencies, to socially engineer older adults into transferring money. The realism of these AI-generated impersonations undermines traditional cues used to detect fraud, making them a powerful tool for financial exploitation. In this study, we explore older adults' perceptions of these emerging threats and their responses, with a particular focus on the role of youth, who may also be impacted by having their identities exploited, in supporting older family members' online safety. We conducted focus groups with 37 older adults (ages 65+) to examine their understanding of deepfake impersonation scams and the value of intergenerational technology support. Findings suggest that older adults frequently rely on trusted relationships to detect scams and develop protective practices. Based on this, we identify opportunities to engage youth as active partners in enhancing resilience across generations.

Key findings
Older adults exhibit varying degrees of familiarity and skepticism regarding deepfake threats, often expressing fear of falling victim to scams. They frequently depend on younger family members for support, utilizing strategies such as avoiding unknown calls, verifying information with family, and employing shared knowledge like code words to detect potential fraud. These intergenerational support practices are crucial for building resilience against sophisticated AI-enabled scams.
Approach
The researchers conducted six focus groups with 37 older adults (ages 70-94) from an independent living facility to examine their understanding of deepfake impersonation scams and the value of intergenerational technology support. Discussion guides focused on perceptions of AI technology, online safety, and deepfake scams, with audio recordings transcribed for qualitative analysis.
Datasets
Six focus groups with 37 older adults (ages 70-94) in an independent living facility in the northeast United States.
Model(s)
UNKNOWN
Author countries
United States
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