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April Events to Help You Combat Fraud

Learn how to protect yourself during Fraud Prevention Month

Steve Hahn,

AARP North Carolina

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RALEIGH -- Fraud and scams targeting North Carolinians of all ages continue to threaten families across the state and the impact is real. According to the latest data from Federal Trade Commission, consumers in North Carolina reported losing $190 million to fraud in 2023 and many crimes go unreported.*

North Carolina is not alone. The US Department of Justice reported that people in the US lost over $12 billion to fraud in 2024, a two billion dollar increase from 2023.

In response, AARP North Carolina is taking action this April during its’ Fraud Prevention Month, bringing free in-person and virtual events, workshops, and fraud-prevention resources directly to communities across state.

From safeguarding your personal information and documents at free shred events, to learning how to protect yourself on your smartphones, recognizing and outsmarting AI scams, and helping people with cognitive disorders and dementia avoid scams, people can find both live and virtual events by visiting local AARP pages at www.aarp.org/local

In addition to local programming, AARP is hosting several free virtual national events in April.

Identify Fraud: What You Need to Know

Identity fraud is rising, but you can fight back! Get expert tips and ask your questions live during this upbeat virtual session.

Date: Wednesday, April 15

Time: 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. ET

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Real Solutions: Protecting Yourself from Fraud

Seeing more scams and unsure what to watch for? We’re hosting a nationwide tele-town hall to talk through common red flags and simple, practical solutions. Spanish-language access available.

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026

Time: 1 – 2 p.m. ET

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AARP North Carolina Director Michael Olender explained, “Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to target unsuspecting consumers. While adults ages 50-plus are frequently targeted, fraud affects every generation. Fraud Prevention Month will help ensure that every North Carolinian has access to reliable information and trusted resources.

AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all to help you proactively spot scams, get guidance from our fraud specialists if you’ve been targeted and feel more secure knowing that we advocate at the federal, state, and local levels to protect consumers and enforce the law,” he added.

More free AARP Fraud Prevention Resources include:

AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline: Get guidance from trained fraud specialists: Call 877-908-3360 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET

Subscribe to Watchdog Alerts: Stay on top of the latest scams by subscribing to AARP's free bi-weekly newsletter by email and text.

AARP Scam-Tracking Map: See scams occurring near you or report one if you’ve been targeted.

E-Learning — Effective Ways to Protect Yourself From Scams: This free course explains how to spot warning signs, disengage from scammers and take action if you're a target.

In addition to the Fraud Watch Helpline, AARP encourages people suspicious of fraudulent activities to report them to the NC Attorney General’s Fraud Hotline at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or (919) 716-6000. You can also file a complaint online at www.ncdoj.gov.

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*The update to the 2023 FTC report is expected in early April, 2026.