In Clear Terms with AARP California™

Outsmarting Frauds and Scams

Episode Summary

FBI veteran Lester Kwok breaks down how scammers use AI, urgency, and fear to trick older adults and what you can do to protect yourself.

Episode Notes

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, Dr. Thyonne Gordon sits down with Lester Kwok, a retired FBI Special Agent with over 20 years of experience investigating fraud. Lester brings deep insights from his time working financial crimes and leading elder fraud initiatives, both within the FBI and now in the private sector.

They break down the evolving tactics scammers use to target older adults, including the rise of artificial intelligence tools like voice cloning and deepfake videos. Lester shares real-world examples, red flags to watch for, and practical steps you and your loved ones can take to stay safe, especially during the busy holiday season.

You’ll also hear what to do if you think you've been scammed, how to report it, and why it’s so important to speak up. This episode gives you the tools to pause, think, and protect yourself.

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Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA