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AARP NJ Fraud Watch: How You Can Protect Yourself from the Latest Fraud Happening in NJ

AARP

Updated October 22, 2026

In this video, New Jersey resident Mark Urso sits down with AARP New Jersey State Director Chris Widelo to share how scammers stole his retirement savings. Unfortunately, Mark's story is not unique. Across New Jersey and the country, scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal money and personal information from people of all ages.

If you have been targeted by a scam, or know someone who has, you are not alone, and it is not your fault. Watch Mark's story, then explore the resources below to learn how to recognize common scams, protect yourself and your loved ones, report fraud, and access free tools and support from AARP.

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Free Help for New Jersey Residents: AARP Fraud Watch Network

AARP Fraud Watch Network™ is a free resource available to everyone, and you do not need to be an AARP member to take advantage of its tools and support. With AARP as your partner, you can learn how to spot and avoid scams, access guidance from trained fraud specialists if you've been targeted and stay informed about the latest fraud trends. You can also take comfort in knowing that AARP advocates at the federal, state, and local levels to strengthen consumer protections and hold scammers accountable.

Here is what is available to all New Jersey residents at no cost:

Free Helpline. The AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline, 877-908-3360, is free and available to anyone. Our trained fraud specialists provide support and guidance on what to do next and how to avoid scams in the future. The helpline is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Scam-Tracking Map. See or report scams in your area with the Scam-Tracking Map. Find out what is happening in your New Jersey community.
Watchdog Alerts. Get regular updates on the latest scams by signing up for biweekly Watchdog Alerts or text FWN to 50757 to receive text alerts.
The Perfect Scam℠ Podcast. Hear stories of real scams on the award-winning podcast, The Perfect Scam℠. Explore fraud from the viewpoint of victims, law enforcement, and criminals.
Fraud Resource Center. Look up a scam in AARP's Fraud Resource Center, with dozens of tip sheets on how to recognize and avoid common scams, including videos that break down how scams work.
Online Support Groups. AARP also offers online support sessions for further emotional support for those targeted by fraud and their loved ones.
NJ Fraud Fighter Volunteer Team. Help raise awareness about scams and fraud in communities across New Jersey. Learn more about volunteer opportunities with AARP New Jersey at www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer.

Stay Up to Date on the Latest Fraud Trends

Fraud tactics are constantly evolving, making awareness one of the best defenses against scams. The latest data highlights the growing threat of cryptocurrency kiosk and ATM fraud, both in New Jersey and across the country.

Cryptocurrency ATM Scams are Stealing Millions from Consumers

Cryptocurrency kiosk scams are causing devastating financial harm to people across the United States, and New Jersey residents are not immune.

According to the FBI, in 2025 alone, more than 13,000 complaints involving cryptocurrency kiosks were filed, with reported losses exceeding $389 million. Adults aged 60 and older accounted for more than 76 percent of those reported losses. (Source: FBI, as provided by AARP New Jersey)

For many, the impact is not just financial. These losses can represent years of hard-earned savings set aside for retirement, housing, health care, and daily living expenses, gone in an instant.

Closer to home, one New Jersey resident in Gloucester County lost more than $70,000 after a fake computer pop-up prompted them to liquidate investments and deposit the money through a cryptocurrency kiosk. (Source: AARP New Jersey)

If you or someone you know has experienced a scam like this, you are not alone. This is not your fault.

How Cryptocurrency Kiosks Became a Tool for Scammers

Cryptocurrency kiosks, also known as crypto ATMs or Bitcoin ATMs, are physical machines that let people exchange cash for digital currency. They are found in convenience stores, gas stations, and other public locations across New Jersey. Scammers have targeted these machines specifically because:

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Transactions are fast and difficult to reverse.
Once money enters a scammer-controlled digital wallet, it is nearly impossible to recover.
The machines are widely accessible, making them easy to direct victims to.

These scams are often carefully tailored to their targets, making them convincing even to financially savvy individuals. They can begin in many ways: a fake alert on your computer screen, a phone call from someone claiming to be a government official, or a text message about a problem with your bank account. While the tactics may vary, the goal is always the same: to create a sense of urgency and pressure you into acting before you have time to verify what's really happening.

If you ever receive an unexpected message directing you to withdraw cash, move money, or deposit funds into a cryptocurrency kiosk or ATM, pause and verify the request. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member, contact your financial institution, or call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline before taking any action. Remember: anyone can be targeted by a scam, and being victimized is never your fault.

Fighting Fraud Through Education, Advocacy, and Action

Tell Your Lawmakers to Ban Crypto ATMs

AARP New Jersey is working to protect Garden State residents from cryptocurrency ATM fraud and other emerging scams through education, advocacy, and consumer protection efforts. As part of this work, AARP New Jersey supports efforts to strengthen consumer protections and hold bad actors accountable. New Jersey lawmakers are currently considering A3244, legislation that would prohibit cryptocurrency ATMs in the state. AARP New Jersey supports measures that help protect consumers from this rapidly growing form of fraud.

Even when subject to regulation, cryptocurrency kiosks lack the real-time controls, reversibility, and consumer safeguards necessary to prevent devastating losses. Criminal now routinely use cryptocurrency kiosks to steal hundreds of millions of dollars from Americans each year through scams. In fact, the attorneys general of Iowa and DC found that over 93% of transactions conducted by the top three crypto kiosk providers were the result of fraud.

More than 35 states have enacted laws to help protect consumers from fraud involving cryptocurrency kiosks, including 18 that passed legislation in 2026 alone. New Jersey lawmakers are now considering A3244. Click here to urge your lawmakers to support stronger consumer protections against crypto ATM fraud: Take Action Now.

Fraud tactics continue to evolve, making it important to stay informed about emerging scams and warning signs. To receive updates on fraud trends, developments related to A3244, and resources to help protect yourself and your loved ones, sign up for AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Watchdog Alerts.