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About

AARP Fraud Watch NetworkTM is a free resource for all. With AARP as your partner, you’ll learn how to proactively spot scams, get guidance from our fraud specialists if you’ve been targeted, and feel more secure knowing that we advocate at the federal, state, and local levels to protect consumers and enforce the law.

Protecting consumers goes back to AARP’s founding. Learn more about our history.


What We Help You Do

Stay Informed

Knowledge gives you power over scams. The AARP Fraud Watch NetworkTM equips you with reliable, up-to-date insights, alerts and fraud prevention resources to help you spot and avoid scams and protect your loved ones. We even cover the latest scams in the news.

Find Support

If you've been targeted by scams or fraud, you are not alone. Our trained fraud specialists provide support and guidance on what to do next and how to avoid scams in the future. The AARP fraud helpline, 877-908-3360, is free and available to anyone. We also offer online support sessions for further emotional support.

 

Have a Voice

AARP fights for consumers by advocating for laws and regulations to stop scams and shut down fraud attempts.  We also provide a voice to consumer concerns and help shape the public discussion on fraud.   

 

Get Regular Updates on The Latest Scams   

Sign up for free, biweekly Watchdog Alerts to have information on the latest scams delivered right to your email and phone.

    

      

Fraud Prevention Resources

  • Look up a scam in AARP’s Fraud Resource Center, with dozens of tip sheets on how to recognize and avoid common scams, including videos that break down how scams work.

  • See or report scams in your area with our Scam-Tracking Map.

  • Get regular updates on the latest scams by signing up for biweekly Watchdog Alerts or text FWN to 50757 to receive text alerts.

  • Hear directly from fraud experts at one of our webinars, tele-town halls or live events in communities around the country.
  • Hear stories of real scams on our award-winning podcast, The Perfect Scam. Explore fraud from the viewpoint of victims, law enforcement and criminals.

  • Get social with the AARP Fraud Watch Network on Facebook and Twitter, where you’ll also have access to online events. You can also connect with others on the Scams & Fraud channel in AARP’s online community.

  • Check out online resources to help protect veterans, service members and their families against scams at the AARP Veterans Fraud Center.

  • Looking for resources in Spanish? Go to www.aarp.org/fraude

Find out if your financial organization has received the AARP BankSafe training to fight financial exploitation at aarp.org/banksafe

     

        

           MEMBERS GET MORE. AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin  regularly feature news and tips on the latest scams.

        

Our Fraud Experts See Full Bios

Kathy Stokes
Director of Fraud Prevention, Fraud Watch Network

Amy Nofziger
Director of Victim Support, Fraud Watch Network



Doug Shadel
Strategic Director, Fraud Watch Network

 

Paul Greenwood
External Speaker, Elder Abuse

AARP members make possible free resources like AARP Fraud Watch Network. Support our nonprofit, nonpartisan work that empowers people to choose how they live as they age by becoming a member today

Highlights

TEDx Talk: AARP’s director of fraud prevention, Kathy Stokes, shares stories and offers ways we can reframe the shame that often accompanies becoming a victim to fraud and how we can all be more aware and supportive.

   

Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s chief advocacy and engagement officer, says that urgent action and a coordinated effort by law enforcement, regulators and policy makers are needed on consumer fraud.

   

AARP’s The Perfect ScamSM podcast won the “Best Use of a Podcast” award in the 2020 Shorty Social Good Awards, which it shared with CNN. Finalists included brands such as HBO and GoFundMe.

In the News

Amy Nofziger was featured in the New York Times discussing Social Security-related fraud.

— 3/9/2024

Kathy Stokes spoke to the Associated Press about romance scams

— 2/14/2024

AARP was cited in an article from The Sun about a “free money” offer that circulated online.     

— 3/5/2024


Partners

AARP Fraud Watch Network works with industry, federal regulators, law enforcement and other nonprofits to help deliver the message of fraud prevention. Current partners include: