The digital world has brought incredible convenience to our lives—from online banking to real-time investment tracking. But with these advancements come new and evolving cybersecurity threats, many of which specifically target retirees and high-net-worth individuals. Scammers are no longer just sending poorly written emails riddled with typos; they’re using cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to create exceptionally convincing frauds.

Australian Field Marshal William Slim, who commanded troops in World Wars I and II, said, “In battle, nothing is ever as good or as bad as the first reports of excited men would have it.” As a young Army officer, I learned a simpler version: “The first report is always wrong.” This is generally true and something I was guilty of many times. When an event like an enemy attack occurs, subordinates report up the chain of command, but initial reports are often inaccurate.