AARP Hawaiʻi Offers Free AI, Crypto Scam Seminars for Kupuna

AARP Hawaiʻi is bringing in fraud-prevention expert Doug Shadel for two free seminars on Hawaiʻi Island to help kupuna recognize and avoid scams that use artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency kiosks and other modern technologies. The workshops will start at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 25 at the Royal Kona Resort and at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 26 at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

Doug Shadel will share how AI and other scams work, why smart people get hooked, and how to shut down scammers. Shadel is described by AARP as having decades of experience as a fraud investigator and with AARP and the AARP Fraud Watch Network, and the sessions are designed to give practical, actionable steps that older adults and their caregivers can use immediately.

AARP Hawaiʻi serves about 150,000 members statewide and runs the Fraud Watch Network as part of its consumer protection work. Keali‘i Lopez, AARP Hawaii state director, emphasized the stakes for retirees: “Kupuna have worked all their lives to save money for their golden years. Scammers are smart and take advantage of the latest technology such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency kiosks to come up with new ways to steal money. Doug Shadel has decades of experience as a fraud investigator and with AARP and the AARP Fraud Watch Network. He will help us fight back against scammers by teaching us how to recognize and stop fraud.”

Organizers say the seminars will explain how cryptocurrency kiosks, which look like bank ATMs, are being used to transfer money to scammers, and will cover other current schemes that exploit voice cloning, deepfakes and social engineering. Local seniors face heightened risk because scams often target retirement savings and Medicare-related benefits, areas that can cause both financial and emotional harm.

Senior Medicare Patrol Hawaiʻi offers complementary resources on fraud prevention and warns that crypto scams targeting kupuna are increasingly sophisticated and emotionally manipulative. SMP notes that the program focuses on Medicare-related scams but also provides free education, resources, and referrals for other types of fraud, including cryptocurrency scams that impact the health, safety, and financial stability of Hawaiʻi’s residents. SMP also urges community members to act: “If you or someone you know suspects a scam, don’t stay silent. Contact Senior Medicare Patrol Hawaiʻi today for confidential assistance and resources.”

The seminars are free, and registrants can reserve a free breakfast. To register and reserve a breakfast, go to the AARP Hawaii Facebook page and click on “upcoming events,” or use AARP’s events search and enter your ZIP code. Those interested also can call (877) 926-8300 for more information and to register.

For Big Island kupuna and caregivers, the sessions offer timely local access to national expertise on fast-evolving threats. Beyond the classroom, AARP’s advocacy work and local partners like SMP Hawaiʻi aim to press for stronger protections and outreach to reduce losses among older adults. Residents planning to attend should register early to secure space and breakfast, and bring specific questions about any suspicious calls, messages or kiosk encounters they have experienced.