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Alaskans are contacting the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline regularly to report suspicious activity, seek guidance, or recover from a scam. What they’ve experienced is not unique. In fact, it reflects trends we are seeing nationwide: scammers are persistent, sophisticated, and constantly evolving their tactics.
In recent months, we’ve heard from several callers who were contacted by scammers posing as law enforcement. The impostors told the victims that they had missed jury duty and needed to pay a fine to avoid legal penalties. Each victim lost between $1,000 and $9,000 to the scam. In a similar scam, a victim lost over $15,000 trying to clear their name in an alleged police investigation. Another Alaskan sent bail money after a scammer impersonated a friend, pretending to need legal assistance. Scammers posing as law enforcement can be particularly persuasive. They prey on our respect for authority and feelings of shame over wrongdoing.
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Online shopping scams are also being reported in Alaska. One man clicked an ad that appeared to be from a trusted brand, which led him to a website where he purchased a mower. Or so he thought! The money was traced back to a clothing company in China, and no product ever arrived. In rural Alaska, a woman sent over $4,000 to a seller on Facebook Marketplace for an ATV. She never got the vehicle.
We also hear from Alaskans who continue to receive calls after a fraud has already occurred. In these cases, scammers pose as “recovery agents” and promise to recover money. This is another scam. Once someone has been targeted, criminals often try again.
These stories are shared anonymously, but they represent real people in our communities—neighbors, friends, and family members. And they point to a common theme: scams succeed because they create urgency, fear, or trust in the moment.
What to Watch For
While scams vary, the warning signs are often the same:
- Urgent or emotional requests for money or help
- Unexpected contact from someone claiming to be a trusted person or organization
- Payment requests using gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps
- Pressure to act quickly without time to verify
If you notice these red flags, stop and take a moment. That pause can protect your hard-earned savings.
What You Should Do
If a scam targets you:
- Pause and verify. Hang up or stop communicating and contact the organization or person directly using a trusted number.
- Do not send money or personal information. Legitimate organizations will not demand immediate payment or request sensitive details in this way.
- Talk to someone you trust. A second perspective can help you spot a scam.
And importantly, report what happened. Reporting scams helps protect others and gives you access to support.
If you or a loved one has been targeted by a scam or fraud, you are not alone. You can call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 (open 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Alaska time Monday through Friday) to talk to a fraud specialist who can provide support and guidance on next steps. Whether you’ve lost money, shared personal information, or have a question, you can call.
You can also find tools, alerts, and prevention tips through the AARP Fraud Watch Network. Visit aarp.org/fraud for more resources. Remember: if you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam!
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