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New Data Shows Fraud Impact in South Dakota - AARP Responds with Free Community Events and Resources

Fraud Prevention Month Comes to South Dakota

AARP

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Fraud continues to threaten families across the country — and here in South Dakota, the impact is real.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers in South Dakota reported $20.5 million stolen by fraud in the first three quarters of 2025. During that same time period, South Dakota residents made 3,575 fraud reports. The most common scams, according to the FTC, involve imposter scams, online shopping and privacy/data security.

In response, AARP is taking action this April during Fraud Prevention Month, bringing free in-person and virtual events, workshops and fraud-prevention resources directly to communities in South Dakota and across the country.

Free Local Events in South Dakota

Free Fraud Flicks: Catch Me if You Can

Come for a great movie and leave with tools that help keep you fraud‑free. The event is free, but registration is required.

Date: Monday, April 21

Time: 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:15 p.m.)

Location: Aberdeen Community Theater, 417 South Main Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401

View details

Free Fraud Flicks: Catch Me if You Can

Come for a great movie and leave with tools that help keep you fraud‑free. The event is free, but registration is required.

Date: Thursday, April 23

Time: 7 p.m. Mountain Time (doors open at 6:15 p.m.)

Location: AMC CLASSIC Rapid City 10, 230 Knollwood Drive, Rapid City, SD 57701

View details

Free Fraud Flicks: Information Coming Soon!

Come for a great movie and leave with tools that help keep you fraud‑free. The event is free, but registration is required.

Date: Monday, April 27

Time: 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:15 p.m.)

Location: State Theatre, 316 S. Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Nationwide Events You Can Join from Anywhere

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

Identity 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: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. CT

View Details

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: 12-1 CT

View Details

AARP Advocacy: Protecting Consumers from Crypto Kiosk Fraud

In addition to in-person and virtual events, AARP is advocating for policy solutions to protect consumers from virtual currency kiosk fraud (also called cryptocurrency kiosk fraud) — one of the fastest-growing scam tactics in the country.

Criminals increasingly direct victims to virtual currency kiosks, where money can be transferred quickly and is often difficult to recover.

AARP addresses this issue from multiple angles:

Empowering people with information about these kiosk scams and what to do if they are targeted.
Urging policymakers to establish practical safeguards for consumers.
Supporting fraud victims through the AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline and fraud victim support program.

Here at home, AARP South Dakota led a diverse coalition of law enforcement and financial partners to secure passage of Senate Bill 98 during the 2026 Legislative Session. This law, which will establish important safeguards that protect consumers, will take effect July 1. Read more about it.

Why This Matters

Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to target unsuspecting consumers. While adults 50-plus are frequently targeted, fraud affects every generation.

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.

Fraud Prevention Month helps ensure that every South Dakotan has access to reliable information and trusted resources.

“Fraud prevention is about action,” said Erik Gaikowski, AARP South Dakota State Director. “When AARP shows up in communities with trusted tools and local events, we’re helping neighbors protect themselves and each other.”

Take Action:

Attend a local event. Join virtually. Share what you learn with friends and family. Protect yourself — and your community. Learn more: aarp.org/FraudSafety.

Join the fight against fraud—from anywhere. Become an AARP Digital Fraud Fighter and help your friends and family spot and avoid scams.

More Resources

AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline: Get guidance from trained fraud specialists: Call 877-908-3360 Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. CT

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.