Scams & Fraud

AARP Connecticut works with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to advocate for and support policy and regulations that are in the best interest of people 50+ and their families in Connecticut.

Across the country, someone’s identity is stolen every two seconds. Fraud is an escalating crisis, with losses far exceeding what is reported. While $9 billion in fraud losses were reported in 2022, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates the true financial impact at $137 billion due to underreporting. The impact on victims and their families can be financially and emotionally devastating, especially for older Americans.

Learn how to stay ahead of criminals with a free bimonthly webinar series that delves into everything from artificial intelligence to cryptocurrency to romance scams.

Last year the Federal Trade Commission recorded $10 Billion in reported fraud from U.S. consumers. Because fraud is underreported, we know that actual losses are much higher.

Connecticut consumers lost more than $70 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The Bulletin spoke with Connecticut Attorney General William Tong (D) in April about fraud-fighting efforts.

Spring has sprung and with warmer weather comes home repairs. Unfortunately, shady contractors are out there looking for homeowners in the market for spring repairs. Contractor fraud and home improvement scams can cost homeowners thousands of dollars and leave them with shoddy workmanship, unfinished projects, or even damage to their homes. Scammers often target older adults, but anyone can fall victim to these scams.

In 2023, Americans reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud—ranging from romance and investment schemes to gift card scams—according to Federal Trade Commission data. A new state law aims to protect older Americans from financial exploitation.

The numbers are in and last year was yet another historic year for fraud. The Federal Trade Commission released its annual compendium of fraud reports from 2023, and the news is shocking. For the first time ever reported theft through fraud topped $10 billion. The total is 14% higher than what was reported in 2022 and 5 times greater than reported losses in 2019. Key takeaways from the report include:

Enter for a chance to win an Amazon Fire 7 Tablet and Amazon Basics Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card Home Office Shredder

New virtual presentation on scam prevention launches with steps consumers can take to protect themselves from identity theft.