***CONSUMER ALERT*** Congressman Patronis Warns of AI Scams Targeting Service Members and Their Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Patronis is warning Americans about a dangerous rise in AI-driven scams targeting our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families. Scammers are using artificial intelligence to impersonate loved ones overseas, preying on military families and exploiting fear and uncertainty.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, military families lost an estimated $178 million to imposter scams last year alone, a number expected to climb as these schemes grow more advanced.

Congressman Patronis said, “America’s military families are being targeted by scammers who think they can exploit fear and confusion. Don’t fall for it, slow down, stay vigilant, and protect your family.”

Red Flags of AI Scams:

• Unexpected contact from loved ones
• Claims your computer is compromised
• High-pressure demands for immediate action
• Requests to click links or download software

Protect Yourself:

• Don’t click unknown links
• Never give strangers control of your computer
• Verify requests through trusted sources
• If it’s too good to be true, don’t trust it

For more information on protecting yourself from scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer protection resources by clicking here.

To report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission, click here.

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