On September 20, 2024, the New York State Legislature convened to address critical issues surrounding consumer protection and safety in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). A significant focus of the meeting was the alarming rise in scams targeting older adults, who are increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated fraud schemes facilitated by advancements in AI technology.

Legislators highlighted that older adults often become prime targets for criminals due to their accumulated savings over a lifetime. As one speaker noted, this demographic is akin to banks for scammers, echoing the famous quote by Willie Sutton about robbing banks because "that's where the money is." The financial impact on older individuals, particularly those on fixed incomes, can be devastating. Many lack the resources to pursue legal action against fraudsters and may not have the time left in their lives to recover financially from such crimes.

The meeting underscored the role of AI in enabling new forms of scams, particularly through deep fake technology. Scammers are now using AI-generated audio and video to impersonate individuals, making it easier to deceive victims. A common example discussed was the "grandparent scam," where a caller pretends to be a grandchild in distress, requesting immediate financial assistance. With the advent of voice cloning technology, the potential for these scams has escalated, raising concerns about the safety of older adults.

Legislators emphasized the importance of education and awareness in combating these threats. They are actively working to inform older adults about the risks associated with AI-driven scams, advising them to be cautious, even about answering phone calls. The message is clear: a simple greeting could be enough for scammers to capture a victim's voice, further complicating the fight against fraud.

In conclusion, the discussions at the New York State Legislature meeting highlighted the urgent need for enhanced consumer protection measures in the face of evolving technology. As AI continues to advance, so too must the strategies to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly older adults, from becoming victims of increasingly sophisticated scams. The legislature's commitment to addressing these issues will be crucial in shaping a safer environment for all consumers.