Scam Alerts
Is That Your Bank Contacting You — or a Scammer?
Criminals pretend to warn you about fraud while trying to steal your money
Should You Stop Using Paper Checks?
Other forms of payment may be safer as mail theft and check-washing cases surge
Experts Describe 14 of 2023's Most Common Scams
Criminals are quick to exploit current events and add new twists to well-known ruses
Could a Criminal Use Deed Fraud to Steal Your Home?
Yes, deed theft cases are growing and can result in the loss of your home
Beware of ‘Do Me a Favor’ Scam Messages
An increasingly common scheme involves impostors claiming to need help buying gift cards
Real Estate Wire Fraud: Targeting Down Payments
A New Jersey couple lost nearly $92,000 to scammers — and they’re not alone
Romance Scammers Woo Victims Into Crypto Schemes
Online criminals break hearts and steal savings with promises of risk-free investments
Chatbots and Voice-Cloning Fuel Rise in AI-Powered Scams
Cybercrime experts warn that new tech offers scammers frighteningly effective tools
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
Health Care Fraud Exposed After Patient’s Death
A chiropractor’s office stole from Medicare and other health insurance providers for years
How to Spot Fake Reviews Before You Buy
Online marketplaces and the FTC are cracking down, but a little investigating on your part goes a long way
Fraud Fighters Are Working to Keep Scam 'Epidemic' at Bay
Government agencies and others are seeking solutions as the crime wave continues
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
Many Scam Victims Struggle With Mental Health
Experiencing fraud can often be both financially and emotionally devastating
Elder Fraud
3 Ways to Help a Loved One Who Has Been Scammed
Ease their burden by offering compassion, assistance
The Legal Consequences of Elder Fraud Can Be Steep
Scams are on the rise, but here are ways to fight back
More on Fraud
Money Can Be Stolen From Your Bank Account
Customers need to be vigilant as thefts from personal accounts become more common
Fake Delivery Service Text Alerts Are Rampant
How to tell if messages are legitimate or criminals’ smishing attempts
Why Criminals Want Your Driver’s License
It's important to keep your personal data safe to avoid identity theft
Glossary of Scam and Fraud Terminology
From A to Z, here’s a guide to the frequently used lingo of deception
