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AARP Honors Connecticut State Police Detective Hogan with Inaugural Guardian Award for Protecting Older Americans from Fraud

AARP

Published May 15, 2026

Detective Matt Hogan Receives A A R P Guardian Award

Nancy LeaMond , AARP EVP, Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer; Detective Matt Hogan; Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut State Director.

Jared Soares for AARP

Connecticut State Police Detective Matt Hogan has been named one of two recipients of AARP’s inaugural AARP Guardian Award, honoring members of the law enforcement community who have gone above and beyond to protect millions of older Americans from fraud, scams, and financial exploitation. Fraud is a widespread and growing threat that costs Americans billions of dollars each year, with adults 50-plus bearing a disproportionate share of the losses.

The two selected law enforcement professionals – Detective Hogan and Sergeant Nathan VanCleave with the Evansville, Indiana police department – demonstrate an unwavering commitment to safeguarding older adults and holding criminals accountable through effective advocacy. As fraud schemes – particularly those involving cryptocurrency ATMs and other emerging payment methods – continue to target older Americans, AARP works closely with trusted law enforcement partners to strengthen prevention efforts nationwide. Cryptocurrency-related scams pose a particularly acute threat. In 2024, U.S. adults reported approximately $9.3 billion in crypto fraud losses, with those age 60 and older losing about $2.8 billion.

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Detective Hogan is being honored for his leadership in advocating for stronger consumer protections, more resources for state and local police officers, and an unwavering commitment to protecting older Connecticut residents. Detective Hogan has been a powerful voice at the state and federal levels on regulating cryptocurrency ATMs and has worked alongside AARP in Washington, D.C., participating in congressional briefings and meetings to combat fraud targeting older Americans. His dedication has helped elevate the role of frontline law enforcement in shaping effective policy solutions.

“I’m so honored AARP would select me for such an amazing award,” said Detective Hogan “This is so special to me, I’ve been so privileged to work so closely with AARP.”

Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer, Connecticut State Police said, “Detective Hogan is an honored and valued member of the Connecticut State Police. His dedication and leadership in advocating for elder Americans are truly commendable. In addition to investigating financial crimes which specifically target elder Americans, Det. Hogan devotes significant time to prevention efforts by educating the public on methods used for financial exploitation how to recognize them. Det. Hogan exemplifies the core values of the Connecticut State Police: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Equality (PRIDE).”

Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut State Director said, “Detective Hogan has been a steadfast partner in the fight against financial fraud and abuse - both in our communities and at the State Capitol. His decision to extend that commitment to the federal level goes well beyond the call of duty and underscores the personal importance he places on this work. As cryptocurrency fraud and cybercrime continue to evolve, Connecticut, and states and municipalities across the country, need greater resources to keep pace. Detective Hogan’s work stands as a powerful example of how effective this fight can be when the right tools, the passion, and the supports are in place.”

AARP has supported the passage of cryptocurrency ATM consumer protection laws in 27 states across the country, advancing commonsense safeguards to help protect consumers – especially older adults – from these scams. Core protections AARP has championed nationwide include: daily transaction limits, operator licensing and registration requirements, transaction receipts, and greater transparency and accountability in the crypto kiosk marketplace. With cryptocurrency kiosks linked to more than $389 million in reported losses in 2025, and adults 60 and older accounting for 86 percent of reported losses in cases where a victim’s age was known. AARP will continue working with lawmakers, law enforcement, and advocates in every state to balance innovation with strong consumer protections.