April AARP Bulletin Special Report: The Vast, Organized and Growing Business of International Fraud

WASHINGTON—Whether it’s the coronavirus, the upcoming election, a new Medicare policy, or any major development, professional fraud organizations are increasingly using the day’s news as opportunities to scam Americans, and particularly older Americans. In this month’s cover story, AARP Bulletin opens the curtains on the increasingly sophisticated, professional, international, and tech-savvy world of fraud.

This unique and deep AARP investigation reveals that the scammers of today are more organized and business-like than ever before. They use advanced technology to their advantage: that means that the call that shows up on your phone with a local area code and prefix might be originating in Florida, Jamaica, India, Eastern Europe, or even Africa. Using email addresses and phone numbers, often purchased in bulk from illegal list brokers, most fraud organizations can afford to play the numbers game. The more they pitch, the more they profit.

So, how do you protect yourself? Even sophisticated scams can be avoided as long as people remain skeptical, ask questions, and take precautionary measures to protect themselves from fraud. Read more about how scammers operate internationally in this month’s cover story.

Other stories in the April issue include:

Bulletin Brief on COVID-19:

• A Letter to Our Members: In a special message, CEO Jo Ann Jenkins assures members that AARP has been actively engaged on and monitoring the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. AARP is also making sure members and their families know how to protect themselves, for example by sharing extensive information in publications and online and convening top public health officials for tele-town halls.

 In the News:

• A Q&A on COVID-19: In response to the pandemic and its effect on adults over 50, AARP asked Nancy Messonnier, M.D., Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, to answer questions on how older adults can deal with the situation. “If you’re 65 or older and live where cases have been reported, take action to reduce your exposure,” Messonnier says. “Know what’s going on locally. Pay attention to recommendations from your local health department.” She also discusses what older adults in assisted living or retirement communities should do and if it’s safe for loved ones or caregivers to visit older adults during this time.