Scam Alerts
Know the Latest Amazon-Impostor Scams
Be aware of the latest ways criminals use the company’s name to steal from consumers
Identity Fraud Cost Americans $43 Billion in 2023
Victims are losing more money to these crimes, a new AARP-backed report finds
Fake Delivery Service Text Alerts Are Rampant
How to tell if messages are legitimate or criminals’ smishing attempts this holiday season
Four Common Election Scams to Avoid This Year
Criminals may target voters with bogus registration sites, requests for donations to fake PACs and more
What to Know About Cryptocurrency ATMs
Kiosks are everywhere, helping scammers steal cash from victims
AI Fuels New, Frighteningly Effective Scams
The technology can help criminals impersonate celebs, law enforcement — or even you
6 Top Scams to Watch Out for in 2024
Criminals are getting more sophisticated and supercharging old scams with new technology
Many Scammers Now Ask for Payment in Gold Bars
Criminals tell victims to liquidate their savings to buy gold — then hand it over for ‘safekeeping’
Fraud Fighting
What to Do if Your Wallet Is Lost or Stolen
7 steps to prevent identity theft and money loss — plus how to replace what’s missing
How to Avoid Scams on Zelle, Venmo and Other P2P Apps
Criminals love peer-to-peer payment methods; learn to use them safely
How to Avoid Scams on Facebook Marketplace
Scammers aim to take advantage of both buyers and sellers. Here’s how to spot and avoid them
Avoid Real Estate Wire Fraud When Buying a Home
A New Jersey couple lost nearly $92,000 to scammers — and they’re not alone
How, Why and When to Check (or Freeze) Your Credit Score
Monitoring your creditworthiness is key for tracking your financial health and spotting fraud
10 Worst Things to Carry in Your Wallet
With identity theft rampant, keep only the essentials in your pocket or purse
White House Announces New AI Protection Efforts
Measures meant to prevent fraud, keep infrastructure secure and protect privacy
Victim Support
AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline Is Fighting for You
Volunteers provide emotional support and practical advice to scam victims
3 Ways to Help a Loved One Who Has Been Victimized
Ease the burden on your friend or family member by offering compassion, assistance
More on Fraud
Should You Stop Using Paper Checks?
Other forms of payment may be safer as mail theft and check-washing cases surge
What to Know About Those ‘We’ll Buy Your Home’ Ads
Shady house flippers use high-pressure tactics and offers of fast cash to make a profit on your property
What I Learned After Hackers Attacked Me and Stole $4,000
It took dozens of hours to fix the onslaught on my accounts by cyberthieves
‘Shark Tank’ Stars Images Used in Bogus Ads
Criminals manipulate their photos and videos in ads for weight-loss products, keto gummies
What to Do After You’ve Experienced a Scam
Take these steps to protect your bank accounts and personal information, and find the support you need
How Much Do You Know About P2P and Crypto Scams?
Take this quiz to see if you are savvy about tools like Zelle and Venmo, and why criminals
Woman Who Lost Everything in a Romance Scam Finds New Purpose in Life
She became a fraud-fighting ‘warrior’ after fake surgeon left her nearly penniless
Glossary of Scam and Fraud Terminology
From A to Z, here’s a guide to the frequently used lingo of deception