local
AI-powered scams cost Americans billions; here's why it could get worse
By Emily Hanford-Ostmann at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 9, 2026
· 3 min read
Navy veteran Mitchell Gordon saw a social media video promoting a government refund website. Thinking it was real, he entered his personal information and paid $200. The next day, he tried to cancel. "All I wanted was the $200 back, so that's when everything started," Gordon said. The $200 los...
Key takeaway "All I wanted was the $200 back, so that's when everything started," Gordon said.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The alarming rise of AI-powered scams, as seen in the case of Navy veteran Mitchell Gordon, has significant implications for Nashville 's older adult population. With a substantial number of retirees and seniors living in the area, the risk of targeted scams is particularly concerning. As scammers become more sophisticated in exploiting trust and limited tech knowledge, local authorities and community organizations must prioritize education and outreach efforts to protect vulnerable individuals. The potential for significant financial losses, like Gordon's $45,000, can have devastating effects on a person's quality of life and economic stability. Nashville residents should be vigilant and cautious when interacting with unsolicited online or phone requests, and local leaders should support initiatives like the proposed ReportScams.gov Act to combat this growing threat. By promoting awareness and taking proactive measures, Nashville can work to prevent its residents from falling prey to these insidious scams.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Navy veteran Mitchell Gordon saw a social media video promoting a government refund website. Thinking it was real, he entered his personal information and paid $200. The next day, he tried to cancel. "All I wanted was the $200 back, so that's when everything started," Gordon said. The $200 los...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emily Hanford-Ostmann at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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