The Scamdemic Up Close: April 23, 2026 Archive

This event occurred on April 23, 2026. Below is a description of the event as well as the recordings from the panel discussion and the conversation with Erin West.

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

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During our eye-opening event, former prosecutor and Operation Shamrock founder, Erin West, discussed 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 looked at the real warning signs—what they say, how they hook you, and what “too good to be true” looks like in 2026. Erin also walked through practical steps to stay safe, how to help loved ones spot early red flags, and told us exactly what to do if something feels “off.”

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

RECORDINGS:

• Scamdemic Panel Discussion: https://youtu.be/drjowG1Ieu8
• Scamdemic Keynote Address featuring Erin West: https://youtu.be/Na9EvGe7hg8

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
• Liz Buser, Senior Advisor, AARP Fraud Prevention Programs
• Andrew McCormack, Assistant US Attorney for Maine
• The panel discussion was moderated by Maine Attorney General, Aaron Frey

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

QUICK LINKS to help you further:

• If you are interested in requesting a free scam prevention speaker in MAINE, please fill out this form.
• Register for our free monthly 30-minute Fraud Fighter Zoom call with volunteers Phil and Pam