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Fighting Fraud & Stopping Scams in the Bay State

AARP

Updated August 05, 2026

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Knowledge gives you power over scams. The AARP Fraud Watch Network equips you with reliable, up-to-date insights and connects you to our free fraud helpline so you can better protect yourself and loved ones.

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Fraud Talk Tuesdays

On the second Tuesday of every month, take just 30 minutes to tune in online to our Fraud Talk Tuesday to stay up to date on the latest scams plaguing the Bay State. All recordings of past information sessions are posted on our YouTube Page here.

Fraud Talk Tuesday: The Scams that Caregivers Need to Watch Out For

November 10 | 12-12:30 PM PM | Online
Scammers often target older adults and their caregivers, using increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal money, personal information, and peace of mind. Join Samora Bazil from Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) for a brief but informative 30-minute webinar focused on the common scams that caregivers and care receivers need to recognize and avoid. During this session, you'll learn about current fraud trends, warning signs of potential scams, and practical steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Whether you're providing care for a family member or receiving care yourself, this webinar will equip you with valuable tips to help you stay safe and confident. Don't miss this opportunity to gain trusted information and learn how to spot red flags before scammers strike.

Fraud Talk Tuesday: Holiday Scam Safety

December 8 | 12-12:30 PM | Online

The holiday season is a time for shopping, giving, traveling, and connecting with family and friends—but it is also a busy season for scammers. Join Fraud Talk Tuesday for an engaging panel discussion featuring two AARP Fraud Fighter volunteers who will share practical guidance on holiday shopping and online marketplace fraud, fake delivery messages, gift card scams, fraudulent charities, and travel-related schemes. Learn how scammers use unexpected contact, strong emotions, and urgency to pressure people into acting before they have time to think. Attendees will hear real-world examples, learn key warning signs, test their knowledge during a “Real or Scam?” activity, and leave with simple steps to pause, verify, and protect their money and personal information throughout the holiday season.

Our Fraud Fighter volunteers make Fraud Talk Tuesday possible, sharing information that helps people recognize and avoid scams.

Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts

Getting Help After a Scam

Dealing with fraud in the aftermath can be fraught – not knowing where or if you should report (you should – it’s a crime), feelings of shame (even though it’s not your fault – blame the perpetrator), and an often-overwhelming emotional toll – let alone the financial impact.

One resource is the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. Every weekday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. EST, trained AARP volunteer fraud fighters are helping victims and their families understand what happened, report the crime, and plan next steps to put their lives back together. That number is 1-877-908-3360.

AARP also offers an online small group victim support program to help address the emotional harm fraud victimization causes. These conversations are completely confidential and are a wonderful way to receive support from others. Sign up for a session today at aarp.org/fraudsupport.

Experiencing a scam can be devastating, but it doesn't have to define you. If you or someone you know has been the victim of fraud, make sure to file a report with local police; among other things, this may be useful in the event restitution becomes possible down the line.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

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