Shock callers use fear of seniors – How Companies Can Provide Protection

Shock callers use the fear of seniors to carry out fraudulent blackmail and steal millions. In Saxony-Anhalt, cases have already been reported in which fraudsters bring the victims into financial difficulties under the guise of emergency calls or fake police calls. The perpetrators panic with dramatic scenarios such as alleged hospital admissions or dangers for the family and urge those affected to transfer money quickly. Although prevention measures and information campaigns exist, the problem remains, as the fraudsters are often very well organised and tactical.

The use of AI to create fake content is increasingly viewed critically. Google recently made its AI watermark detector SynthID publicly available to identify content generated using AI. This tool helps to detect fake messages or attachments circulating on the Internet. However, telecommunications fraud detection is often more complex, as the perpetrators are often based on technical and psychological methods.

Another risk for businesses and individuals is the danger of email attachments. Outlook blocks MSIX files as email attachments because they can be potentially harmful. This measure is part of Microsoft’s security strategy to prevent attacks. Nevertheless, the threat of fraud in digital communication channels remains, as the perpetrators often develop new techniques to bypass security measures.

Digital sovereignty is a central issue that is heavily debated in Europe. Europe strives to be independent of global tech companies and establish its own standards for digital security. This goal is important to maintain control over digital infrastructure and data while preventing fraud attempts.

## What does this mean for your company? The increasing use of AI and digital communication channels increases the risk of fraud. Companies and individuals need to be aware that fear is being exploited by seniors to steal money. It is important to implement security measures such as blocking dangerous files or using AI tools to detect fraud. In addition, companies and employees should be made aware to respond to such fraud attempts.

## How ISN/xynap supports this Xynap’s Voice and Infrastructure modules provide security features and control mechanisms for telecommunications services to prevent such fraud attempts.