Scammers have targeted Australians over 50 with significant frequency in 2025, with some using AI to create fake chat-bots that sound like friends and family, an alarming new report reveals.
The Scams Report 2025, commissioned by Australian Seniors, found more than four in five of seniors reported they had encountered or fallen victim to a scam in 2025, with over half saying they have received some suspicious communications on a weekly basis.
Two in five survey respondents said they had mistaken AI content as real, with 20% receiving altered photos, AI-generated faces and fake news articles – with the report identifying the three as the top AI fakes being utilised and the hardest to spot.
One in four survey respondents said they had identified an AI scam which had generated phishing messages, deepfakes or a fake chat-bot. Further, the survey found 38% of seniors felt they were being left behind in their knowledge of the risks AI presents, with many feeling uncertain and vulnerable about what is real and feeling overwhelmed by AI and technology.
Many said the volume of suspicious material they receive had led to a stark decline in trust of information they find online.
Despite this, seven in 10 said they still assumed information or news they see online is real and that they are likely to click on or share it without checking its authenticity.
Thankfully, 97% said they have protective software on their devices which helps them avoid nefarious links, block unwanted contacts and help them steer clear of “too good to be true” offers. Many have learned or changed their online habits to verify claims by logging in to their accounts independently to seek verification.
More than one in two said adopting a constant sense of scepticism and vigilance was a key tactic to fend off scam attempts, and to recognise scams are everywhere these days.
Sadly, widespread misinformation has led to strained relationships for some, with two in five Gen X respondents reporting disagreements and tension stemming from misinformation and unfounded claims made in phishing emails received.
Deakin University Associate Professor, Cyber Risk and Policy, Lennon Chang, said scams are becoming evermore sophisticated and are designed to pressure people to act quickly.
“These tools make scams far more convincing, which is why AI-driven phishing, financial cons and impersonation scams are becoming some of the fastest-growing threats in Australia,” Chang said.
Scammers are also continuing to target victims on traditional channels, with 73% of survey respondents contact via phone calls, 70% via email and 59% from SMS and instant messaging.