Attention Big Country: Don’t Fall For This New Texas AI Scam

If you’ve ever gotten a strange call, text, or seen a photo online that just didn’t feel right, you’re not alone, and now, there’s a reason to trust your feelings.

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A new study shows Americans are getting better at spotting fake images created by artificial intelligence, but there’s still a growing concern, especially for older adults here in Texas and across the country.

Texas Study Shows Americans Are Getting Smarter About AI

According to research led by Joe Youngblood, Americans correctly identified AI-generated images 71.63% of the time when shown real photos side-by-side with fake ones. That’s good news, right? But here’s where it gets weird and concerning.

When people were shown familiar images, like the Eiffel Tower, only 18.05% could correctly identify the fake AI-created one.

That tells us something important. The more believable or familiar something looks, the easier it is to be fooled.

Why Texas Parents and Grandparents Are Being Targeted

Organizations like the National Council on Aging warn that older adults are being specifically targeted by these scams. And it makes sense when you think about it.

Many seniors:

Trust what they see and hear
May not be as familiar with AI technology
Sometimes face vision or hearing challenges
Are more likely to answer unknown calls or messages

That’s exactly what scammers are counting on.

The New AI Tricks Criminals Are Using

Experts, including warnings from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, say scammers are now using:

Voice cloning (sounds like your child or grandchild)
Deepfake videos (realistic but fake footage)
Phishing emails & texts that look legitimate
Fake websites that mimic trusted brands

And here’s the scary part. Some of these scams now sound and look almost identical to real life.

The “Verification Habit” Every Texas Family Needs

If there’s one takeaway I want you to share with your family tonight, it’s this:

Slow down and verify everything.

Before reacting:

Call the person directly using a known number
Ask a question only they would know
Never send money based on urgency alone
Double-check links and websites carefully

I tell my own family this all the time. If it feels wrong, it more than likely is.

A Personal Note From Me to You

As someone who talks to West Texans every single day, I can tell you this: "our parents and grandparents are some of the most trusting, kind-hearted people on the planet and in the Lone Star State. Unfortunately, that’s exactly why scammers are going after them. We need to protect them.

Have that conversation. Share this article. Make sure they know what’s out there. Because in today’s world, "Seeing is no longer believing."

Food For Thought for Texas Families

I recently posed for a photo taken by my boss, and within minutes, he was able to use AI and manipulate the photo, making me look like a punk rocker with a colorful mohawk and facial makeup. Frankly, the AI-produced photo looked real, and that is scary.

AI is a powerful tool. It’s helpful. It’s here to stay. So heed the warnings and proceed with caution? Everything you see, and most importantly, use common sense. And here in Texas, we must take care of our own.