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AI voice calls and fixed incomes put older adults at risk for financial scams, researchers say
Summary by The Midland Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Caresse Jackman , KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 24, 2026
· 2 min read
( InvestigateTV ) — Financial scams targeting older adults are evolving, and researchers say the combination of traditional fraud tactics and new technology — including AI-generated voice calls — is making them harder to detect. Julie Brancale, an assistant professor at Florida State University, ...
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Summary created by The Midland Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Caresse Jackman, KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 24, 2026 Indexed here Jul 24, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway Julie Brancale, an assistant professor at Florida State University, and Dean Thomas Blomberg study the causes and consequences of financial exploitation against older adults.
Why this matters in The Midland
In Midland, where a significant portion of the population is nearing or already in retirement, the threat of financial scams targeting older adults is particularly concerning. The combination of fixed incomes and accumulated wealth makes this demographic a prime target for fraudsters. As researchers point out, the rise of AI-generated voice calls has added a new layer of sophistication to these scams, making them harder to detect. Local residents should be vigilant and recognize the red flags, such as urgency, when dealing with unsolicited calls or requests for money. Education is key in combating these scams, and it is crucial that local organizations and community groups provide resources and support to help older adults protect themselves. By working together, Midland can help prevent financial exploitation and ensure that its older residents can live securely and without fear of falling victim to these scams.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 24, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 2 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ( InvestigateTV ) — Financial scams targeting older adults are evolving, and researchers say the combination of traditional fraud tactics and new technology — including AI-generated voice calls — is making them harder to detect. Julie Brancale, an assistant professor at Florida State University, ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 24, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Caresse Jackman at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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