This Texas teen outsmarted scammers with a simple computer science trick
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A remarkable story is unfolding that proves age is no barrier to making a difference.
A 17-year-old high school senior is not just managing classes and college plans but also leading an effort to protect older adults from online fraud.
Her drive comes from both personal experience and a passion for technology.
And what started with a frightening family encounter has now grown into a mission with nationwide potential.
For Tejasvi Manoj, the fight against scams isn’t just a project—it’s personal. The spark was lit when her own grandfather received a chilling text message.
The sender, posing as a family member in distress, pleaded for $2,000 to be wired immediately.
Thankfully, Tejasvi’s grandparents did what we all hope our loved ones would do: they paused, reached out to family, and uncovered the scam before any money changed hands.
But the close call left a mark. “It was alarming,” Tejasvi recalls. “I realized how easily it could have gone the other way.” That moment of fear and relief became her call to action.
Determined to make a difference, Tejasvi dove headfirst into the world of computer science.
She didn’t wait for a college degree or a Silicon Valley internship—she rolled up her sleeves and started learning everything she could about coding and artificial intelligence, much of it from YouTube tutorials.
The result? Shield Seniors, a website and app designed to help older adults spot and report online scams.
Here’s how it works: Users can copy and paste suspicious messages into the app, which uses AI to analyze the text and flag potential threats.
“It’s like having a tech-savvy friend in your pocket,” Tejasvi explains. “You don’t have to guess if something’s fishy—the app will tell you.”
But Shield Seniors isn’t just about technology. Tejasvi spends her free time visiting senior centers, leading workshops, and answering questions.
She knows that technology can be intimidating, especially for those who didn’t grow up with smartphones and social media.
“No one should feel embarrassed about asking for help,” she says. “We’re all learning together.”
If you think scams are just a nuisance, think again. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, Americans aged 60 and over lost a staggering $4.8 billion to scams in 2024—double the losses from just five years ago.
Scammers are getting more sophisticated, using personal details and emotional manipulation to make their schemes seem legitimate.
Also read: A single text message cost this retiree $27,000—how to avoid the same trap
“Scammers are using everything from fake emergencies to phony tech support calls,” Tejasvi warns. “They’re getting better at making things look real.”
And as one of her workshop attendees put it, “As you get older, you can feel more vulnerable and less computer savvy. It’s easy to get caught off guard.”
One of the most powerful aspects of Tejasvi’s mission is her focus on empowerment. She’s quick to remind her students—and all of us—that falling for a scam isn’t a sign of weakness or ignorance.
“Scammers are professionals,” she says. “They know exactly how to push your buttons. The important thing is to stay informed and ask for help when you need it.”
Also read: A new Social Security email scam is hitting seniors—here’s what the SSA says to protect yourself and your loved ones
Her workshops are filled with practical tips:
Also read: What seniors need to know about crypto bank machines and scams
Tejasvi’s vision doesn’t stop with Shield Seniors. She’s passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and hopes her story inspires others—young and old—to get involved.
“You don’t have to be a tech genius to make a difference,” she insists. “If you see a problem, start learning, ask questions, and find a way to help.”
She’s currently seeking funding to expand Shield Seniors and dreams of launching it nationwide by the end of the year.
And who knows? With her recent recognition (she landed the cover of Time!), she just might get the support she needs.
Read next: She lost $57,000 in one day: How a phone scam targeted a woman in Oregon
Have you or someone you know been targeted by a scam? What steps do you take to stay safe online? Do you have tips or questions about using technology to protect yourself?
A 17-year-old high school senior is not just managing classes and college plans but also leading an effort to protect older adults from online fraud.
Her drive comes from both personal experience and a passion for technology.
And what started with a frightening family encounter has now grown into a mission with nationwide potential.
For Tejasvi Manoj, the fight against scams isn’t just a project—it’s personal. The spark was lit when her own grandfather received a chilling text message.
The sender, posing as a family member in distress, pleaded for $2,000 to be wired immediately.
Thankfully, Tejasvi’s grandparents did what we all hope our loved ones would do: they paused, reached out to family, and uncovered the scam before any money changed hands.
But the close call left a mark. “It was alarming,” Tejasvi recalls. “I realized how easily it could have gone the other way.” That moment of fear and relief became her call to action.
Determined to make a difference, Tejasvi dove headfirst into the world of computer science.
She didn’t wait for a college degree or a Silicon Valley internship—she rolled up her sleeves and started learning everything she could about coding and artificial intelligence, much of it from YouTube tutorials.
The result? Shield Seniors, a website and app designed to help older adults spot and report online scams.
Here’s how it works: Users can copy and paste suspicious messages into the app, which uses AI to analyze the text and flag potential threats.
“It’s like having a tech-savvy friend in your pocket,” Tejasvi explains. “You don’t have to guess if something’s fishy—the app will tell you.”
But Shield Seniors isn’t just about technology. Tejasvi spends her free time visiting senior centers, leading workshops, and answering questions.
She knows that technology can be intimidating, especially for those who didn’t grow up with smartphones and social media.
“No one should feel embarrassed about asking for help,” she says. “We’re all learning together.”
If you think scams are just a nuisance, think again. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, Americans aged 60 and over lost a staggering $4.8 billion to scams in 2024—double the losses from just five years ago.
Scammers are getting more sophisticated, using personal details and emotional manipulation to make their schemes seem legitimate.
Also read: A single text message cost this retiree $27,000—how to avoid the same trap
“Scammers are using everything from fake emergencies to phony tech support calls,” Tejasvi warns. “They’re getting better at making things look real.”
And as one of her workshop attendees put it, “As you get older, you can feel more vulnerable and less computer savvy. It’s easy to get caught off guard.”
One of the most powerful aspects of Tejasvi’s mission is her focus on empowerment. She’s quick to remind her students—and all of us—that falling for a scam isn’t a sign of weakness or ignorance.
“Scammers are professionals,” she says. “They know exactly how to push your buttons. The important thing is to stay informed and ask for help when you need it.”
Also read: A new Social Security email scam is hitting seniors—here’s what the SSA says to protect yourself and your loved ones
Her workshops are filled with practical tips:
- Pause before you act. If you get a message or call that feels urgent or emotional, take a breath and verify the story with someone you trust
- Never share personal information or send money to someone you don’t know.
- Use technology to your advantage. Tools like Shield Seniors can help you double-check suspicious messages.
- Report scams. The more we share information, the harder it is for scammers to succeed.
Also read: What seniors need to know about crypto bank machines and scams
Tejasvi’s vision doesn’t stop with Shield Seniors. She’s passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and hopes her story inspires others—young and old—to get involved.
“You don’t have to be a tech genius to make a difference,” she insists. “If you see a problem, start learning, ask questions, and find a way to help.”
She’s currently seeking funding to expand Shield Seniors and dreams of launching it nationwide by the end of the year.
And who knows? With her recent recognition (she landed the cover of Time!), she just might get the support she needs.
Read next: She lost $57,000 in one day: How a phone scam targeted a woman in Oregon
