Plano, Texas — Tejasvi Manoj is a typical 17-year-old in many ways, juggling schoolwork and college applications. But this high school senior stands out by dedicating her time to helping seniors understand and avoid financial scams.
Her journey began when her grandfather almost fell victim to a scam. He received a text message from someone pretending to be a relative, claiming there was an emergency and asking for $2,000. Thankfully, he double-checked with family members before sending any money, but the experience shook Manoj. Determined to make a difference, she started researching scams and created a website and app called Shield Seniors to educate older adults on how to spot and report them.
In July, she delivered a TEDx talk, and recently she was featured on the cover of Time magazine as its “Kid of the Year.” “I was in so much shock,” she said. “It was the greatest surprise of my life.”
Manoj discovered that scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to make their tactics more convincing. In 2024, the FBI reported that people aged 60 and older lost a staggering $4.8 billion to scams—double the losses from just five years ago. One attendees of her classes noted, “As you get older, you become less computer savvy,” which adds to their vulnerability.
Her app utilizes AI to help users identify potential scams. “You can paste a text message into the app, and it will alert you if it seems suspicious,” she explained.
Although she has taken some computer science courses, most of her coding skills came from YouTube. “My mission is to empower older adults about cybersecurity,” she said, emphasizing that it’s essential for them to feel comfortable asking for help.
Manoj is seeking funding to launch Shield Seniors by the year’s end and aims to explore how technology can serve society positively.
The rise in scams highlights a growing issue in our digital world. A 2023 survey found that 70% of older adults feel anxious about online security, showcasing the urgent need for education and resources. Experts agree that initiatives like Manoj’s can make a significant impact, helping to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
For further information on preventing scams, visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and learn more about online safety.
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Texas, Scam Alert, Artificial Intelligence
