Scams & Fraud

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In 2024, consumers in Michigan reported fraud losses totaling $204 million — up from $60 million in 2020. To combat such fraud, AARP is organizing events and pushing for policies to help older adults learn about and prevent scams.

AARP Real Possibilities by AARP Michigan is a weekly TV show airing every Tuesday on ABC 53 in Lansing and Jackson at 9:00 am and ABC 4 West Michigan at noon.

News and Notes from AARP Michigan

AARP can help you stay informed about topics that affect you and your loved ones. Just create an AARP.org account and click to confirm your email address in the follow-up email you receive. You'll be the first to learn about new member benefits, practical resources, and events and programs in Michigan and in your community that empower you to choose how you live as you age.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, nearly 500,000 Americans were victims of cybercrime in 2022, including 13,566 reports from Michigan with estimated losses of $178 million. The crimes ranged from personal data breaches to investment schemes.

As the holiday season approaches, the quest for unique and personalized gifts has led many to explore the world of DNA testing. Ancestry and heritage research, uncovering potential health risks and building family trees have become increasingly popular motivations for submitting DNA samples. However, beneath the allure of these discoveries lies a cautionary tale, as safety raises significant concerns.

According to federal data, identity theft in 2022 became the most prevalent form of fraud reported in Michigan, replacing impostor scams.

AARP, the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older, announced today the priority issues on its 2023 Michigan Legislative Agenda. Approximately 3.9 million residents in Michigan are 50 and over, representing 39% of the state’s population.

AARP Michigan is encouraging its members to be on the lookout for signs of possible fraud, such as unusual financial transactions on bank statements.