More ways AARP is trying to protect you from fraud
- AARP Fraud Watch Network leads an effort to fundamentally change how our country responds to the crime of fraud. The team reaches out to federal and state agencies, other nonprofits, the news media and consumers to change the narrative on fraud victims. The goal is to increase understanding that fraud is a punishable crime, the perpetrators are largely transnational organized criminal enterprises funding atrocities such as human trafficking, and fraud is not the fault of the victims.
- AARP’s award-winning BankSafe Initiative offers free online training to bank and credit union employees to help them identify and stop suspected fraud before money leaves a customer’s account. The initiative has expanded to the retail sector to encourage frontline store employees to intervene when a customer appears to be buying gift cards at the direction of a criminal.
- AARP Fraud Watch Network’s site includes news on fraud as well as scam-fighting tips. You can sign up for biweekly email or text Watchdog Alerts to stay on top of the latest schemes.
- The AARP Fraud Watch Network has a free helpline, at 877-908-3360, where trained volunteers can offer fraud victims support, assistance with next steps, and information about AARP’s online Fraud Victim Support Group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AARP’s position on fraud?
AARP believes we need a coordinated response to fraud, which has the greatest financial impact on older adults. That includes better consumer protections to prevent criminals from reaching victims, stronger enforcement, better tools for law enforcement and financial institutions, and meaningful support and restitution for victims.
What has AARP done to protect older Americans from fraud?
AARP is at the forefront of efforts to protect older Americans from scams and fraud, combining consumer education with advocacy at the local, state and federal levels.
As noted above, our work includes testimony before Congress, support for bipartisan legislation, regulatory comments, state-by-state campaigns, and local ordinances to strengthen protections against emerging threats.
Important legislation victories include the passage of 35 state-level measures that restrict or ban cryptocurrency kiosks, a favored payment method in scams.
AARP has also advocated on the state level for so-called “report and hold” laws, which enable financial institutions to pause suspicious transactions and stop scams in their tracks.
Why does AARP prioritize fighting fraud?
Fraud has become a nationwide crisis that threatens the financial security, independence and well-being of millions of Americans. Every year, criminals steal billions of dollars through increasingly sophisticated scams, and older adults often suffer the greatest financial losses.
Fraud is not a partisan issue, and it does not discriminate. It affects Americans of every background, in every community. Every dollar stolen by a scammer is a dollar that should have gone toward retirement, health care, housing, family or a local business. Too often, fraud robs people of savings they spent a lifetime building and undermines their ability to age with dignity and independence.
The impact extends beyond the financial loss. Victims often experience stress, anxiety, shame, and a loss of trust, while families can face lasting emotional and financial consequences. That’s why AARP is working every day to stop criminal networks from exploiting older Americans, strengthen protections that prevent fraud before it occurs, and help victims recover and move forward. Through advocacy, education, and direct support, we are committed to protecting the financial security of Americans age 50 and older.
How can members get involved?
Here’s what you can do to help protect people 50 and older from scams and fraud:
- Tell lawmakers to stop criminals from using crypto kiosks to steal from us.
- Sign up to become a digital fraud fighter to help raise awareness about the latest scams.
- AARP is your fierce defender on the issues that matter to people 50-plus. Become a member or renew your membership today.
Related Resources
Learn more about AARP’s mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age.
Listen to AARP’s The Perfect Scam podcast, which highlights victims’ stories and how criminals operate.
Read AARP’s fraud education series, which serve as comprehensive guides in key topic areas. They include:
- Trending Scams: A roundup of the most common forms of fraud and how to spot the red flags.
- Protect Yourself From Fraud: AARP’s most essential scam-prevention advice.
- What to Do After a Scam: Information on how to protect yourself from further theft and identity fraud, and where to find support.
- Avoid Romance Scams Online: A guide to staying safe when meeting new people on dating sites, social media and beyond.
Click Here For The Original Source.
