My Mom, a woman who can bake a pie from scratch and tell you exactly what year a certain rosebush was planted, almost clicked a scam text last week. 

It popped up, looking like an urgent message about an overdue fee, complete with a link demanding immediate action. Luckily, she called me first. It was a fake, a phishing attempt. No surprise there, right? Scams are everywhere.

But here’s the kicker: if something so obviously fake to us can nearly fool someone we love, what about the truly sophisticated stuff? I’m talking about the scams AI is cooking up. 

These aren't your grandpa's spam emails with obvious typos and bizarre requests from a 'Nigerian prince'. We're talking hyper-personalized messages, perfectly crafted to mimic legitimate sources, designed to bypass our defenses.

Recent data is pretty stark here. A global survey revealed less than half of people—just 46%—could correctly identify an AI-generated phishing email. 

That's a staggering vulnerability. 

AI is now crafting messages that are so contextually relevant, so seemingly normal, that the lines between real and deceptive blur incredibly fast. 

Think emails that appear to come from your bank, your child's school, or even a friend, urging urgent action. They're built to make you panic and click without thinking. 

Sound wild? It's our new reality.

And it’s not just adults. Our kids are caught in this digital crossfire too. Take platforms like Roblox. It's a digital playground, sure, but it’s also a hunting ground for predators. Kentucky's Attorney General just filed a lawsuit against Roblox, claiming the platform isn't doing enough to protect children from predators. 

These bad actors often lure kids with promises of "free Robux" or exclusive "skins," using third-party chat apps that feel like part of the game. Kids don't just lose virtual items; they're exposed to far more sinister schemes. Roblox says they're working on it, even launching a Parent Council. But parents, we're the first line of defense.

So, what’s our game plan? How do we navigate this evolving digital landscape without becoming paranoid, but remaining protected?

• Educate, Always: Make scam awareness a regular, open conversation with everyone in your family, from the youngest gamer to the oldest grandparent. These talks shouldn't be lectures. Make them practical.

• Verify, Then Trust: Teach everyone the "pause and verify" rule. Your bank, your credit card company, your child's school—they rarely ask for personal information or urgent clicks via unexpected texts or emails. If a message feels urgent or off, call them directly using a known, legitimate number, not one provided in the suspicious message.

• Lock It Down: Strong, unique passwords are non-negotiable. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. It’s an extra step, but it’s a crucial one.

• Monitor & Engage: For kids, understand the platforms they use. Monitor their online activity not to spy, but to safeguard. Regular check-ins and open dialogue about their online experiences are crucial.

This isn't about fear; it's about smart defense. The digital world is here to stay, and AI will only make it more complex. But with awareness and a few simple habits, we can keep our families safer online.

From Our Blog:

In light of today’s focus on digital safety, here are a couple of articles from our archives that offer more practical guidance for parents navigating the intersection of AI, screens, and family well-being:

When a Chat Thread Turns Dark: How Parents Can Respond to AI, Screens, and Teen Distress – This piece dives into how to talk with kids about AI and screens, and steps to protect mental health without panic, especially when digital interactions take a worrying turn.

AI Comes Home: What Parents Need to Know About Smart Toys, Google Gemini for Kids, and the Summer of Deepfakes (July 2025 Edition) – While a few months old, this article's focus on deepfake scams and protecting children's privacy and safety remains incredibly relevant to the phishing dangers we discussed today.

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Until next week,

Warren S.

P.S. - I’d love for you to join our growing community of AI-Powered Super Parents on Facebook, where we share tips, tricks, and ways to use AI safely and effectively at home to help you and your family gain hours away from the screens!