About
The 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.
Do You Know The Signs of a Holiday Scam?
Get tips to help you spot and avoid common scams during the holidays and throughout the new year. Learn more.
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 the 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
During an interview with the Military Times, AARP’s Troy Broussard encouraged veterans to apply for the PACT Act benefits, but to be aware of related scams.
— 8/7/2023
The Associated Press reports than more people are losing money to scams than ever before. AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Programs Kathy Stokes said, “The first thing they’ll do is get you into a heightened emotional state, because we can’t access clear thinking when we’re in that state. It could be fear, panic, or excitement – ‘I just won a million dollars from Publishers Clearing House.’”
— 8/7/2023
NBC12 in Central Virginia was one of many stations around the country reporting on the rise of artificial intelligence scams. AARP’s Kathy Stokes offered tips to consumers to help protect themselves.
— 8/2/2023
Partners
The 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:
