Scams & Fraud

Minnesotans who have been defrauded now have a better chance of financial recovery, thanks to a new bipartisan law championed by AARP Minnesota. The Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund, the first of its kind in the nation, was signed into law in 2025 with strong bipartisan support. This innovative fund will help victims of fraud recover lost money—especially in cases where scammers are untraceable or bankrupt.

The new law requires cryptocurrency-ATM operators to issue refunds to victims of fraud if they're considered new customers.

Hear from older Minnesotans about the impact of frauds and scams.

Tax season isn’t just about filing returns; it’s also prime time for IRS impostor scams. In 2023 alone, consumers reported losing a staggering $5.8 million to these scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Here’s what you need to know to stay one step ahead of these crooks.

AARP Minnesota is pushing for the passage of legislation to create a state-level Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund (Fund) for victims of fraud, modeled after the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Civil Penalty Fund.

Advocating for what is important to our members and giving you a voice at the state and federal levels is a priority for AARP Minnesota. Your voice matters. We work with local organizations and town and city officials on making our communities more livable and greater places to age with dignity and purpose.

Learn about the latest scams during a webinar hosted by AARP Minnesota on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 10 a.m., called Scams to Spot in 2025.

Many common scams take on new looks around the holidays as criminals ramp up their efforts. AARP Fraud Watch NetworkTM has you covered. Explore our collection of free tools and resources, so you know what to watch out for this season.

AARP Minnesota seeks volunteers to support its 2025 legislative priorities, including creating a Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund. Add your voice and make a difference.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month — a great time to remind ourselves just how much of our lives take place online and the potential threats that exist in the digital world. Any device that stores information or connects to the internet could become a target for cybercriminals seeking to steal from you.