Student Educates Seniors on AI Deepfake Scams
George Mason University student Lakshmi Katrapati leads educational sessions at local senior centers.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Language Learning
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George Mason University student Lakshmi Katrapati has launched an initiative called Word by World to teach senior communities about AI deepfakes. She recently presented to a group in Fairfax to help residents identify and defend against AI-generated scams.
Why it matters
The program was established after a neighbor of Katrapati fell victim to an AI deepfake scam that resulted in a $30,000 financial loss. This initiative aims to protect vulnerable populations by providing tools and knowledge to navigate modern digital threats.
Katrapati has conducted over 30 presentations this year, including a session for 12 attendees in Fairfax. The training sessions typically last for one hour and provide seniors with an AI Defense tool kit.
The players
Lakshmi Katrapati
Lakshmi Katrapati is a student at George Mason University who founded the Word by World initiative.
Brightview Fair Oaks
Brightview Fair Oaks is a senior community center located in Fairfax, Virginia, that hosted the recent educational session.
The details
During her presentations, Katrapati shows real-world examples of AI-generated videos and instructs seniors on how to differentiate between authentic and deepfake media. She also provides practical tips for interacting with AI platforms like ChatGPT and responding to potential fraud attempts.
Timeline
In early February 2026, a neighbor lost $30,000 to an AI deepfake scam.
On September 21, 2026, Katrapati led a session at Brightview Fair Oaks.
Culture Shift
This program reflects a broader societal shift toward digital literacy as a form of community safety against new technologies. It highlights how students are increasingly bridging the gap between rapidly evolving AI capabilities and the needs of older generations.
Residents of senior communities can better prepare for digital threats by learning to recognize AI-generated media. Adopting these defensive tools can help protect household savings from sophisticated impersonation scams.
The takeaway
Understanding the visual and auditory markers of deepfakes is an essential modern skill for maintaining financial security. Seniors are encouraged to remain skeptical of unsolicited digital requests for money, even if the caller or video appears familiar.
Further reading
Learn more about digital education initiatives in Language Learning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTOP.
Live Poll
Do you feel confident in your ability to distinguish between real content and AI-generated deepfakes?
