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AARP Fraud Prevention Month Brings Free Events to Sheridan and Cheyenne

AARP

Published April 01, 2026

photo of an a a r p fraud watch presentation

Bill Zelman

CHEYENNE - Fraud continues to threaten families across the country — and here in Wyoming, the impact is real.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers in Wyoming reported $3.8M in fraud losses in 2024, with the most common scams involving imposter scams, online shopping, and internet services.

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 across Wyoming.

Free Local Events in Wyoming

April 2 - Sheridan Police Officer and AARP Fraud Fighter Liz Shafer will offer a fraud prevention educational event at the YMCA in Sheridan. Registration is encouraged by clicking here (events.aarp.org/staysafesheridan). This is one in a series of events with Shafer, held at the YMCA on May 7, Sept. 3, Oct. 1 and Nov. 5. All events run from 1-2 p.m. Each month, different scams are highlighted, and free refreshments are provided.
April 10 - From 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., AARP Wyoming hosts Fraud Bingo at The Hub in Sheridan.
April 19 - AARP Wyoming and its community partners will take over the Derby Club Family Entertainment and Bowling Center on Pershing Avenue in Cheyenne for a three-hour fraud prevention event, April 19, starting at 10 a.m. The Derby takeover will let Wyomingites learn how to protect themselves from scams and fraud while enjoying bowling, golf simulators, quarter-pin bowling, and more. The event will conclude with a shred event in the Derby Club parking lot. To register, call 1-877-926-8300 or click here (https://events.aarp.org/event/fraudblitzcheyenne/summary).
April 25 - Sheridan’s Community Action Team will host an Emergency Preparedness Workshop at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2051 Colonial Drive in Sheridan) from 9-11 a.m. This event will help you prepare your home, finances, and event contractor scams, which tend to take place after natural disasters.
May 9 - Sheridan and Buffalo will both host paper shredding events https://events.aarp.org/shredbuffalo26 https://events.aarp.org/shredsheridan26

Fraud in Wyoming: The Latest Numbers

Total reported fraud losses: $3.8M
Number of reports filed: 982
Top reported scams:
- Imposter scams (311 reports)
- Online shopping (142)
- Internet Services (87)
- Privacy, Data Security, and Cyber Threat (75)
- Business and Job Opportunities (60)
- Prize, Sweepstakes, and Lotteries (42)

“The suggestion that the imposter scam is hot tracks with what we are seeing in Wyoming,” said Tom Lacock, Associate State Director at AARP Wyoming. “We are really seeing scammers hammer citizens by suggesting they have outstanding fines from missed jury duty right now and sending their victims to crypto ATMs.

What are these scams?

Imposter scams: Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of local, state, or federal governments. They may contact you through phone calls, text messages, emails, U.S. Mail, or social media. They may say they work for government agencies, including using the names of current or former agency employees. Scammers will pressure you into sending money or personal information. They may demand payment for alleged anti-money laundering violations and outstanding debts.

Most Popular

Online Shopping Scams: Scammers pretend to be buyers or sellers to steal your money. They set up fake websites and create fake profiles on real retailer sites.

Internet fraud involves using online services and software with internet access to defraud or take advantage of victims. The term "internet fraud" generally covers cybercrime activity that takes place over the internet or on email, including crimes like identity theft, phishing, and other hacking activities designed to scam people out of money.

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 crypto kiosk fraud — one of the fastest-growing scam tactics nationwide.

Criminals increasingly direct victims to cryptocurrency kiosks (sometimes called Bitcoin ATMs), where money can be transferred quickly and is often difficult to recover.

In Wyoming, the Legislature just passed House Bill 75 - Crypto Kiosks, which gives regulatory control of these machines over to the Wyoming State Banking Commissioner, Jeremiah Bishop. The Commissioner is drafting emergency rules, and the state legislature will consider them during its interim session and the next session in 2027.

AARP is addressing this issue from multiple angles:

Empowering people with information about crypto 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.

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 Wyomingite has access to reliable information and trusted resources.

“Fraud prevention is about action,” said AARP Wyoming Associate State Director Tom Lacock. “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.

More Resources

AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline: Get guidance from trained fraud specialists: Call 877-908-3360 Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.– 6 p.m. MDT.

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.

Explore other Wyoming events at aarp.org/wyevents and visit AARP Wyoming on Demand aarp.org/wyondemand to view recordings of any online classes.