THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2026 Page 17 How to Use AI Safely and Protect Yourself from Scams Dear Savvy Senior, I keep hearing about AI in the news and how it’s being used in scams. I’m not very tech savvy and fi nd it confusing. What should I know to protect myself? --Cautious Senior Dear Cautious, You’re not alone. Many older adults are asking the same question. Artifi cial intelligence, or AI, is becoming part of everyday life, from smartphones and internet searches to banking and customer service. It’s also making scams more convincing and harder to spot, which is why a basic understanding helps. The good news is you don’t need to be a tech expert to use AI safely and with confi dence. Know the basics AI is technology that can create and analyze information in ways that seem human. It can write emails, answer questions, recommend products, generate images and even mimic voices. While this can be helpful, it also means things you see or hear online may not always be accurate. If something seems unusual or too good to be true, take a closer look. Use it wisely A good way to get comfortable with AI is to start small. Many smartphones include voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant that can set reminders, check the weather or answer questions. You can also try tools like ChatGPT or Claude to explain a news story, suggest recipes or help draft a message. AI can also be useful for everyday tasks like comparing products, planning trips or organizing a to-do list. Think of it as a helpful assistant, not a decision-maker. Keep in mind that AI isn’t perfect. It can give answers that sound confi dent but may be outdated or incorrect. For important matters like your health, fi nances or legal issues, always doublecheck with a trusted source such as your doctor, bank or a government website. Watch for scams Scammers are using AI to make their schemes more convincing. You may receive an email that appears to be from your bank or Medicare or a phone call that sounds like a family member. Be especially wary of urgent messages that pressure you to act quickly or warn that your account will be closed. Protect yourself The most important habit for avoiding scams is to slow down. If you receive a suspicious call, text or email, stop and assess the message. Don’t click links, download attachments or respond right away. Instead, contact the company or person directly using a phone number or website you trust — not the one provided in the message. Scammers now use AI to mimic voices and write convincing messages. Even if something sounds like it’s from a family member, friend or company, verify it another way before taking action. Never share sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank details or passwords unless you initiated the contact and trust the source. Banks and government agencies, including Medicare and Social Security, will not ask for this information by phone or email. Urgent requests for payment by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency are also red fl ags. For added protection, use twofactor authentication, and keep your devices updated. You can even consider call-blocking services from your mobile service provider. If something doesn’t look right, take time to check it or ask a trusted friend or family member before responding. Keep learning Technology is always changing, but there are ways to stay informed. Many libraries and senior centers off er free classes on digital skills and online safety. Trusted resources like AARP’s Fraud Watch Network (aarp. org/fraudwatch) and the Federal Trade Commission (consumer. ftc.gov) also provide up-to-date scam alerts and protection tips. In addition, internet and mobile provider Cox Mobile (cox.com/ mobilesafety) off ers a library of research, tips and online safety tools to keep you informed and secure online. AI may seem complicated at fi rst, but a little awareness goes a long way. By staying cautious and building a few smart habits, you can protect yourself and make this technology work for you. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5, Norman, OK 7070. 1. July 3 is the start of the Dog Days of summer, according to what farmers’ publication that began in 1792? 2. In July 1775 what Boston native became Postmaster General? 3. What Cape Cod town has a bell-ringing town crier who belongs to the American Guild of Town Criers? 4. On July 4, 2009, the crown of what statue reopened? 5. What religious item has been bought, rented or inherited? 6. What is a regular army? 7. What sewing machine company had the world’s tallest building from 1908-1909? 8. On July 5, 1946, what style debuted in Paris that was promoted as “smaller than the world’s smallest bathing suit”? 9. Who has the epitaph “I had a lover’s quarrel with the world”? (wrote “Mending Wall”) 10. What Greater Boston city has a common known as the Continental Army’s birthplace? 11. On July 6, 1975, what rapper was born whose nickname includes a unit of money? 12. Reportedly, what color do more FIFA World Cup shoes have: pink, red or white? 13. What are the world’s two oldest national soccer teams? 14. On July 7, 1802, the satirical federalist newspaper The Wasp was first published in what New York city with the same name as a river? 15. QR codes were inspired by the board for what game that originated in Asia? 16. What U.S. president lost sight in one eye at a White House boxing match? 17. On July 8, 2011, what space shuttle with the name of a fictional island was launched? 18. What has the mascots Maple the Moose, Clutch the Bald Eagle and Zayu the Jaguar? 19. What Dutchman created many sunflower paintings in southern France? 20. On July 9, 1776, what was read aloud to the Continental Army in New York after George Washington received a letter from John Hancock? Answers 1. The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2. Benjamin Franklin 3. Provincetown 4. Statue of Liberty 5. Pews 6. An official armed force — not mercenaries or a volunteer militia; Paul Revere warned, “The Regulars are coming out!”) 7. Singer Manufacturing Company (in NYC) 8. Bikini 9. Robert Frost 10. Cambridge (Cambridge Common) 11. Cur tis “50 Cent” Jackson 12. Pink 13. England and Scotland 14. Hudson (The Wasp has been deemed the fi rst comic; publisher/journalist Harry Croswell was convicted for libel and sedition.) 15. Go 16. Theodore Roos - evelt (He decided he “would not box any longer.”) 17. Atlantis 18. F IFA Wor ld Cup teams (Canada, USA and Mexico, respectively) 19. Vincent van Gogh 20. The Declaration of Independence
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