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“If You Don’t Watch Your Money, Someone Else Will”: How AARP Is Helping People Stay Ahead of Scams

Caroline Tetschner,

AARP Virginia

Caroline Tetschner

“If you don’t watch your money, someone else will.”

That message set the tone for the recent Sips and Scams event in Virginia Beach, where AARP Virginia volunteer Myra Walton Basnight spoke to a packed room about the growing threat of fraud—and what people can do to protect themselves.

Caroline Tetschner

Scams continue to affect millions of Americans each year, with both the number of cases and financial losses on the rise. In 2019, about 1.7 million Americans reported being victims of fraud. By 2022, that number had jumped 60% to 2.6 million, with an average loss of $656. From romance scams to impersonation and gift card schemes, tactics are becoming more sophisticated—and more convincing.

“Scammers don’t discriminate,” Basnight told attendees, noting that while older adults are often targeted, younger people are increasingly at risk as well.

Caroline Tetschner

For Norfolk residents and AARP members Eileen Vernon and John Britting, the threat recently became very real. The couple received a call claiming their Apple account contained $14,000 in cryptocurrency and that they needed to act quickly to secure it. “They said all the right things,” Britting recalled. As the caller walked them through urgent instructions, the situation began to feel off. Instead of continuing, Britting contacted the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. Within minutes, he learned it was a scam designed to take their money. The couple ended the call before any damage was done.

Caroline Tetschner

Virginia Beach Police Officer David Shoenbach, who focuses on scam prevention, said their experience reflects a common pattern. “The longer you stay engaged, the more likely you are to become a victim.” His advice: if something seems suspicious, disengage or hang up immediately, then call the bank or company yourself using a verified number. “Nine times out of ten,” he said, “people will quickly discover the original call was fraudulent.”

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AARP recognizes the value in equipping local law enforcement with resources and tools to combat fraud and has endorsed bipartisan legislation called the GUARD Act (Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception). Just days earlier, AARP Virginia State President Joyce Williams and State Director Jim Dau, who were also at the event, met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Their message on behalf of older Virginians was clear: Protect what matters most to them – the money they have earned and their financial security. Speaking to more than 70 attendees at the Sips and Scams event, Dau said that by pushing for the GUARD Act, “Through federal funding, we can promote education and gain outreach grants for local law enforcement reaching citizens directly.” As AARP’s Basnight explained, “If people are aware of a scam, we are 80% less likely to fall victim to it.”

Caroline Tetschner

Through its Fraud Watch Network, AARP has helped hundreds of thousands of people recognize warning signs and avoid fraud. Still, as scams evolve, staying informed remains essential.

AARP encourages people to take a few simple precautions:

End communication if something feels suspicious
Avoid sending money through wire transfers, gift cards, or peer-to-peer payment apps (such as Venmo and CashApp) to unknown individuals
Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) if you have questions or concerns

In many cases, the difference between becoming a victim and staying safe comes down to recognizing the signs—and acting quickly.