# AI-driven scams targeting vulnerable populations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ai-driven-scams-targeting-vulnerable-populations
> Updated: 2026-10-26T14:03:26.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Cybercriminals are increasingly employing artificial intelligence to conduct sophisticated phishing and impersonation attacks. Initial reports highlighted deepfake scams specifically targeting veterans through fraudulent social media posts, such as a fake ‘Veterans & Retired Seniors Grant Program’. These tactics, which include highly convincing fake voices and videos, have resulted in the redirection of government benefits to criminals.

As the situation evolves, there is a broader trend of AI-assisted scams targeting elderly populations. Criminals are utilizing techniques like romance scams, smishing, and spoofing to impersonate government agencies—including the IRS, Medicare, and Social Security—as well as financial institutions. These attackers often create a false sense of urgency regarding account security or unusual transactions to trick victims into providing access codes, clicking malicious links, or granting remote access to their devices.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: AI and digital scams targeting elderly populations

Experts warn of rising AI-driven and digital scams targeting seniors through impersonation of banks and government agencies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ai-and-digital-scams-targeting-elderly-populations

### 2026-10-13: VA warns of deepfake phishing scams targeting veterans

Scammers are using AI-generated deepfakes to impersonate officials and steal VA benefits through fraudulent grant programs on social media.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/va-warns-of-deepfake-phishing-scams-targeting-veterans

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Cite as: AI-driven scams targeting vulnerable populations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ai-driven-scams-targeting-vulnerable-populations