2018 AARP Survey: Experience and Knowledge of Tax Fraud

AARP commissioned Alan Newman Research (ANR) to conduct a phone survey among American adults ages 18 and older to gauge their experience and knowledge around tax fraud and identity fraud.  

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Key findings include the following:

• Americans have a false sense of security about fraud and scams -- 90 percent of Americans say they are confident that they themselves can detect a scam or fraudulent offer. 
  
  
• 80 percent indicate they are concerned, and half (50%) say they are extremely or very concerned about becoming a target or victim of fraud. 
  
  
• Many survey respondents say they have been a victim/target of scams or fraud.  Over one in seven U.S. adults say they have been a victim of identity theft; and 27% have been a victim of a security breach.

This survey was fielded March 14-17, 2018 among U.S. adults age 18 and older on the issues of identify theft, security of personal information, and experience with tax fraud and imposter scams.  A total of 1,005 telephone interviews were completed. Survey length averaged 12 minutes. For more information contact JSauer@aarp.org.