Digital Literacy Programs Teach Seniors to Use AI Tools Safely—OATS’ Senior Planet Shows How to Avoid Deepfake Scams

Concern about AI-enabled scams is widespread among older Americans. An AARP survey found that nearly 9 in 10 older adults are worried about AI-powered fraud, including voice cloning and deepfake impersonation scams.

Many seniors worry about falling victim to sophisticated fraud that looks and sounds completely real, yet digital literacy programs are stepping in to close that gap. Through hands-on classes and practical resources, organizations like Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and its flagship Senior Planet program are helping thousands of older adults learn to use AI tools confidently while spotting and avoiding the latest scams.

Here is what you need to know about these programs and how you might benefit from them.

Senior Planet Delivers Accessible Digital Literacy Classes Across the Country

OATS, through its Senior Planet program, has expanded its work with partners including OpenAI to develop new AI literacy resources, educational videos, and community grants that help older adults use AI safely.

Senior Planet now delivers programming through more than 400 licensed partner sites nationwide, in addition to its virtual classes and dedicated technology centers, making it one of the country’s largest digital literacy programs for older adults. The curriculum covers everything from basic smartphone use to more advanced topics like recognizing AI-generated content and protecting personal information.

Classes are taught in small groups by trained instructors who understand the unique concerns older learners bring to technology. Participants often report feeling more confident navigating email, video calls, and online banking after just a few sessions. Because the program reaches communities nationwide through local centers and virtual options, seniors in both urban and rural areas can join without needing to travel far or pay fees.

Training Focuses on Spotting Deepfakes and AI-Enhanced Scams in Real Time

One of the most popular recent additions to Senior Planet’s offerings is dedicated content on AI-powered scams, including how to identify deepfake videos and cloned voices that criminals use to impersonate family members or trusted organizations. In these sessions, participants watch examples of manipulated media and learn simple checks, such as looking for unnatural movements in videos or inconsistencies in audio, that can reveal fakes.

Instructors also cover common scam scripts that now incorporate AI to sound more convincing and personalized. Many seniors share stories of nearly falling for urgent calls that sounded exactly like a grandchild in trouble, only to realize after class how to verify such requests safely.

Practical Tools Show How AI Can Actually Help Spot Scams Instead of Creating Them

Senior Planet classes demonstrate how seniors can use everyday AI tools, such as chatbots, as a “second pair of eyes” to analyze suspicious messages or emails before taking action. Participants learn prompts that help them check whether a request for money or personal information follows typical scam patterns without sharing sensitive details. This approach turns AI from a potential threat into a helpful resource that supports better decision-making. Instructors emphasize that while AI can generate convincing fakes, it can also quickly flag red flags when used thoughtfully.

Building Digital Confidence Reduces Fear and Increases Safe Technology Use

Many older adults hesitate to use new tools because they worry about making mistakes or becoming targets, yet Senior Planet’s supportive environment helps replace that anxiety with practical knowledge. Classes create space for questions and hands-on practice, so participants leave feeling capable rather than overwhelmed. When seniors understand how deepfakes work and how to verify information, they often become more willing to use video calls with family or manage online accounts independently. This confidence also extends to recognizing when something feels off and knowing exactly who to contact for help.

Partnerships Are Expanding These Resources to Reach Even More Seniors

OATS and Senior Planet have collaborated with organizations including OpenAI and AARP to develop updated curriculum, videos, and community grants that scale AI safety training across the country.

According to the OpenAI/AARP announcement, “The message is simple: pause, think, and ask. ChatGPT can help flag suspicious messages, but it should be combined with and does not replace personal judgment and basic safety steps.”

These partnerships bring fresh resources, such as short educational videos on spotting scams and tools that help older adults use AI responsibly in daily life. Local partners receive support to offer classes in their own communities, making the program more accessible to diverse groups of seniors. The effort also includes ongoing research into how older adults actually use and perceive AI, which helps keep the training relevant as technology changes.

Learning to Use AI Wisely Keeps Seniors Connected, Informed, and Protected

OpenAI says that “AI education should be a basic right in the Intelligence Age.” And with the help of digital literacy programs like Senior Planet, older adults can master these tools and defend themselves against deepfake scams. At the end of the day, it’s all about building the confidence to question suspicious messages, verify urgent requests, and use AI responsibly. As technology continues to evolve, ongoing education may prove to be one of the most effective forms of fraud prevention available to older adults.

Have you or someone you know taken a digital literacy class focused on AI or scam prevention, or are you curious about trying one? What concerns do you have about deepfakes or AI tools as a senior or family member supporting one? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments.

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Drew Blankenship

Drew Blankenship is a seasoned personal finance and lifestyle writer with more than a decade of professional writing experience crafting clear, actionable advice that helps savers and investors over 40 protect their wealth and make smarter everyday decisions. His bylines appear regularly on SavingAdvice.com, CleverDude.com, and other respected outlets, where he draws on deep industry knowledge to deliver practical insights on cost control, smart spending, and long-term financial security.