The Scamdemic Up Close: Attend in Person or Via Zoom — April 23

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 on April 23, 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:

Register to attend in person: https://events.aarp.org/Scamdemic26inperson

Register to attend via Zoom: https://events.aarp.org/Scamdemic26virtual

 

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.

Panelists:

• Erin West, former prosecutor and founder of Operation Shamrock
• Kathy Stokes, Director, AARP Fraud Prevention Programs
• Andrew McCormack, Assistant US Attorney for Maine
• The panel discussion will be moderated by Maine Attorney General, Aaron Frey

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