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The Scamdemic Up Close: Attend in Person or Via Zoom

The Tentacles of the Global Crime Network, How These Scams Operate and How to Protect Yourself

AARP

Published February 11, 2026

The word "SCAM" in large, 3D red letters sitting on a pile of one-hundred-dollar bills.

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Global Crime Network scams are one of the biggest threats facing regular people today, especially older adults who are being targeted with shocking precision.

During this eye-opening event, former prosecutor and Operation Shamrock founder, Erin West, breaks down how these scams actually work, why they’re exploding, and how transnational organized crime groups are using polished scripts, fake investment apps, and emotional manipulation to drain life savings.

We’ll look at the real warning signs—what they say, how they hook you, and what “too good to be true” looks like in 2026. Erin will also walk through practical steps to stay safe, help loved ones spot early red flags, and tell us exactly what to do if something feels “off.”

The goal is simple: to give people the tools to recognize the scammer’s playbook and shut these scams down before they start.

Join AARP Maine and our collaborating partners for this free event either in person or over Zoom. All are welcome. Registration is required. Light refreshments will be served for those attending in person.

EVENT AGENDA:

8:30 – 9:00AM: Join us at the USM Abromson Center, 88 Bedford Street, Portland, ME for a reception and continental breakfast

9:00-10:00AM: Keynote address at USM by Erin West (Zoom session starts)

10AM-10:15AM: Coffee/tea break

10:15 -11:15AM: Panel discussion at USM and Q and A featuring local and national experts

11:15-11:45AM: Continued Q and A, networking

REGISTRATION:

ABOUT OUR KEY-NOTE SPEAKER: Erin West is a globally recognized speaker and educator specializing in transnational organized crime, with a focus on the criminal investigation and prosecution of cryptocurrency-related cases.

Erin is the founder of Operation Shamrock, a global nonprofit uniting law enforcement, industry, and everyday citizens to disrupt the world’s fastest-growing form of transnational organized crime: digital scams.

After 26 years as a prosecutor known for her relentless pursuit of crypto criminals, Erin now leads a cross-border fight to expose the scam economy, mobilize action, and protect both scam survivors and the trafficked workers forced to run these schemes.

Erin continues to equip and inspire audiences worldwide to use their skills, platforms, and tools to fight back.

Questions about the event? Call 1-866-554-5380 or email AARP Maine at me@aarp.org

Have a question or need help with a scam concern? Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline at 1-877-908-3360 or visit aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork