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Louisiana Task Force Sounds Alarm on Rising Fraud Targeting Older Adults

Findings support continued task force work, new legislation and statewide prevention efforts

AARP

Published April 03, 2026

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Fraud is rising across Louisiana, and older adults are increasingly being targeted. In 2024, more than 70,000 Louisianans reported fraud losses totaling $89.4 million, according to the Federal Trade Commission. While older adults report fraud less often, they tend to lose more money when targeted, sometimes wiping out retirement savings and threatening their independence.

To address the growing crisis, the Senior Task Force on Fraud Prevention has released a new report outlining key steps to better protect residents statewide. The task force was created last year by the Louisiana Legislature through House Concurrent Resolution 53 to study fraud trends and recommend solutions.

Fraud impacts more than finances. It often takes a serious emotional toll on victims and their families.

“These crimes do not just drain bank accounts. They steal security, dignity and peace of mind,” said Denise Bottcher, state director of AARP Louisiana. “Fraud prevention must be coordinated, proactive and ongoing.”

The report makes clear that stronger action is needed to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated scams, including those involving cryptocurrency kiosks and digital payment methods.

The task force found that prevention and education are the most effective ways to stop fraud before it happens.

Key recommendations include:

Launching a coordinated, statewide public awareness campaign with clear, consistent messaging
Creating a centralized fraud reporting system to identify trends and respond more quickly
Expanding training for law enforcement and financial institutions to detect and stop fraud in real time
Strengthening partnerships across local, state and federal agencies
Recognizing leaders making a difference in fraud prevention and enforcement

Recent legislation has already begun to make an impact. New consumer protections and limits on cryptocurrency kiosks are helping reduce certain types of scams, according to law enforcement reports. Given the scope of the problem and early progress, lawmakers are working to continue the task force into 2026, allowing the state to build on momentum and expand collaboration with key partners.

Prevention also starts with simple steps. AARP Louisiana is partnering with community organizations across Louisiana to host free shred events this month, helping residents safely dispose of sensitive documents and reduce the risk of identity theft.

“Fraud prevention does not have to be complicated. Small steps can make a big difference,” Bottcher said. “Shredding old financial documents is one simple way families can protect themselves.”

The task force encourages residents to: