Roanoke Scam Alert Event Combines Sips, Tips and Flips

Rosé and romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud and sauvignon blanc. If wine tasting wasn’t enough to bring a full house to AARP Virginia’s Sips and Scams event in Roanoke, the second bonus for attending seemed to do it: the chance to have a try at more than 70 pinball machines.

The event was held at the Roanoke Pinball Museum and Starcade, recognized as one of the best museums of its kind in the eastern United States. While fun and games was certainly an attraction, the main event was a wine tasting, each sip coupled with a tip about one of the scams most likely to affect older Americans. Guests were also provided with information on the AARP Fraud Watch Network and other tools to help them spot and avoid scams and scammers.

MEMBERS ONLY

Attendees had free access to the museum's 50 vintage pinball machines.

Evan Jones

The FBI reports Americans 60 and older suffered record-high numbers scam losses in 2025 totaling nearly $8 billion. But AARP says the true number is much higher, closer to $81.5 billion, because only a small percentage of such victims ever report becoming scam victims to police. On top of that, older Americans tend to lose much greater amounts than other age groups when they are victimized. That is why AARP hosted virtual and in-person events across the country in April to help protect members and their families from becoming victims.

The flips came when guests could get their hands onto the dozens of vintage pinball machines. AARP Virginia Associate State Director Brian Jacks said the novel idea worked out well.

“We chose the Roanoke Pinball Museum and Starcade for this event knowing that many of our members have a feeling of nostalgia when it comes to pinball machines and arcade, growing up playing games at the laundromat and down at the high school hangout,” said Jacks. “We’re super-excited to have a full house.”

Between the vintage high scores and the sobering fraud statistics, the evening served as a reminder that just like success in pinball and many activities, staying safe requires constant attention. The most valuable takeaway wasn't a high score—it was the peace of mind that comes from knowing how to tilt the odds back in your favor.

Here are some valuable AARP resources you can use to combat fraud:

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

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

E-Learning — Effective Ways to Protect Yourself From Scams: Scams are all around us, but you can take steps to avoid them. This free course explains how to spot warning signs, disengage from scammers and take action if you're a target.

About 100 people turned out to learn how to protect themselves from fraud while tasting wine and playing pinball.

Evan Jones