AARP CEO on Helping You Fight Fraud

It often begins quietly: an unexpected message, a call that sounds official, a request that feels urgent enough to override doubt. Fraud rarely announces itself. It slips into ordinary moments, disguised as hope, grief or good intention.

That is how Katie, 67, from Montana, found herself in a situation that escalated faster than she could have imagined. What began as an online message turned into violent threats backed by AI-generated videos. “I am a confident user of technology,” she told me. “But this went beyond anything I associated with fraud.”

Katie’s experience is not rare. I have seen similar situations unfold among people in my life. And the data confirms the threat: More than 40 percent of American adults have lost money to fraud or had their sensitive information stolen and misused, according to an AARP survey.

Fraud affects people across all income levels and backgrounds. It is driven by organized criminal networks using sophisticated tools. It has become a systemic threat — one AARP confronts every day through prevention, victim support, consumer protection and advocacy.

Because the consequences are devastating. Fraud can drain life savings and cause lasting emotional harm. It erodes trust, even in oneself. Many are left bearing shame for something not their fault.

Though fraud can strike quickly, the effects linger long after. That is why, at AARP, we emphasize a simple but powerful approach: Pause, reflect, protect. Creating space to slow down and reach out for help can interrupt even the most persuasive attempt.

But prevention is not enough. When fraud occurs, connection matters.

Lori, 57, from North Carolina, knows this firsthand. After experiencing a romance scam, she joined the AARP Fraud Victim Support Group. Speaking openly about what happened marked a turning point. Lori transformed that experience into advocacy, sharing her story on Capitol Hill to help strengthen laws and better protect others.