Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the alarming trend of AI scams targeting elderly individuals in lower-tier cities, exploiting their lack of technological knowledge and financial vulnerability [4][5][16]. Group 1: AI Scams Targeting the Elderly - A variety of scams, including "AI financial courses" and "AI digital grandchildren," are proliferating on platforms frequented by the elderly, leading many to deplete their savings [4][6][7]. - Scammers are leveraging the technological gap to launch silent predatory attacks on vulnerable groups, with the promise of easy income through AI-generated content [5][16]. - The scams are particularly prevalent in economically disadvantaged areas, where the elderly are more susceptible to misinformation and manipulation [16][18]. Group 2: Personal Stories of Victims - An example is provided of a 63-year-old man who was lured into an "AI wealth creation" scheme, ultimately losing 11,477 yuan, which represented three months of his retirement income [7][8]. - Another victim, a 59-year-old woman, invested over 177,000 yuan in an "AI financial education" program, only to discover that the promised returns were fabricated [14][18]. - Victims often feel isolated and are less likely to report scams due to the challenges of navigating legal processes, leading to a culture of silence among those defrauded [19][24]. Group 3: Psychological Impact and Social Isolation - The psychological toll on victims is significant, with many losing confidence in their self-worth and becoming increasingly withdrawn after being scammed [24]. - The elderly, often living alone or with limited social interaction, are more likely to trust digital interactions, making them prime targets for AI-generated scams that mimic familiar voices and faces [20][23]. - The article emphasizes that the real danger lies not just in financial loss but in the emotional and psychological damage inflicted on the elderly, who fear being forgotten by society [24].