Join Our Fraud Fighter Team—Prevent, Spot and Report Fraud

Older adults are the daily victims of financial frauds and scams. Crimes like financial schemes, investment fraud, health care fraud, identity theft often affect older Minnesotans more than anyone else. In tough economic times, that vulnerability only increases.

That’s why AARP and the Better Business Bureau are joining forces to combat fraud in Minnesota’s communities. Together, they will help educate older Minnesotans about how to prevent, spot and report fraud.

“When it comes to fighting fraud, information in the hands of consumers is power,” said AARP State Director Michele Kimball. “Your help is needed -- I urge you to join us by becoming a Fraud Fighter volunteer.”

As a member of the Fraud Fighter Team, Minnesotans can learn how to avoid becoming a victim of financial schemes, health care fraud, identity theft and other crimes. More importantly, volunteers will be given tools to help spread this information to communities throughout the state.”

“Too many older Minnesotans fall victim to frauds and schemes in Minnesota,” said AARP State Director Michele Kimball. “We need volunteers to act as eyes and ears in their communities to prevent and stop this kind of activity.”

Fraud Fighter volunteers will become familiar with the warning signs of a fraud and learn how and where to report these crimes to the right authorities. Information packets, training sessions and fraud alerts, will be made available that will help volunteers disseminate useful tips in their own communities.

Fraud Fighters will also receive regular alerts about the crimes that affect Minnesotans and what law enforcement in your community is doing to combat criminal activity.

If you are interested in becoming a Fraud Fighter, email apope@aarp.org or call 1-866-554-5381.

At a “Fraud Fighters Forum” on April 20th in Golden Valley, more than 200 older Minnesotans learned firsthand about fraud prevention from some of the state’s top crime fighters -- including Attorney General Lori Swanson and officials from the Federal Trade Commission, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Postal Inspector and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The forum was broadcast and is available for viewing online.

Experts covered the topics of financial schemes, investment fraud, health care fraud, identity theft and other crimes.