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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 of our fraud watch team

Kathy Stokes
Director of Fraud Prevention, Fraud Watch Network

Amy Nofziger

Amy Nofziger
Director of Victim Support, Fraud Watch Network

doug shadel a a r p state director and fraud watch expert



Doug Shadel
External Speaker, Fraud Watch Network

 

paul greenwood fraud watch speaker

Paul Greenwood
External Speaker, Elder Abuse

a a r p membership card

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

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AARP Tele-Town Hall: Hear the latest on how you can stay safe from scams from a recorded Tele-Town Hall on May 9, 2024. Experts shared current scam tactics and how you can recognize and avoid them. 

   

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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.

   

podcast icon

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

NJ Spotlight News aired a segment on a recent AARP NJ Fraud Summit, featuring the NJ State Attorney General. Speakers shared tips to help the 700 local attendees avoid scams. 

— 8/26/2024

AARP’s Amy Nofziger reacts to the recent leak of Social Security numbers in Newser: “My first piece of advice is don’t panic, because most likely your information was already out there.”

— 8/16/2024

AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Programs Kathy Stokes appeared on Scripps News where she talked about how to identify and avoid peer-to-peer payment app scams.

— 8/13/2024

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: