How are scammers using AI to empty out retirement accounts?

How are scammers using AI to empty out retirement accounts? The Akron Beacon Journal just ran a piece on this featuring Courtney Werning of Meyer Wilson Werning, and it is worth sharing here because the tactics being described are getting harder to spot. Scammers are using deepfake voices of grandchildren or financial advisors to create panic, tricking people into moving money before they have a chance to think it through. The part that really stands out is how these operations have become massive. In one recent case, nearly a dozen investors lost about $25 million to an unlicensed adviser in Ohio. Another case involves a guy allegedly swindling $15 million from U.S. residents using AI-generated personas to build fake relationships over months. If you have money parked in retirement accounts, there are a few things that might be worth looking into to protect yourself: Check the registration of anyone handling your money on the FINRA BrokerCheck site. It takes a few minutes, and it is a simple way to see if you are dealing with a legit professional or someone who is unregistered. Ask your brokerage about adding a trusted contact to your account. This person does not have any authority to move your money, but they are someone the firm can call if they see weird activity. Think of it like an emergency contact for your life savings. Slow down if you get an urgent request. Scammers thrive on creating a fake sense of panic to force a quick decision. If someone is pushing you to move money right now, that is a huge red flag. If you think you or someone you know may have already lost money in a situation like this, it may be worth a conversation with an attorney.