SCAM ALERT: Be on the Lookout for These Scams in April 2025

Scammers are criminals. The best way to stop a scam is to spot the red flags!

2024 Fraud Totals
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Fraud reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with a staggering $12.5 billion lost, a shocking increase of 25% over 2023. The number of reports remained stable from 2023 to 2024, but the percentage of reporters who had money stolen jumped from 27% to 38%.

Key Takeaways:

• Impostor scams continue to rise, with criminals impersonating trusted individuals, companies, or government agencies to deceive victims.
• 1 in 5 victims of impostor scams had money stolen from them, with an average loss of about $800 per person.
• Many scams were tied to gift card purchases or cryptocurrency, with a total of $2.95 billion being stolen from consumers across the country.

Email remained the most popular method for criminals to reach their victims, with a 25% increase in its use compared to last year.

These numbers are shocking, but the true extent of fraud is likely much higher, as a significant amount of fraud goes unreported. Last October, the FTC factored in underreporting from 2023, estimating that the $10.4 billion in losses reported to the agency that year was more like $158.3 billion.

Avoiding Fake Tax Preparers
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April 15 is almost here, and many Americans are realizing that their plans to do their own taxes this year didn't work out. If you're one of them and looking for some last-minute help, here's what to look out for to avoid fraudulent tax preparers.

Pay attention to payment and promises. Tax scammers may ask for payment in cash up-front or ask to be paid a percentage of your return. Some might also promise a large return before they even see your paperwork. These are all red flags. No one can guarantee you a return nor should anyone be paid in advance or more than a standard fee.

Another warning sign is someone who avoids filling out their tax preparer ID or refuses to sign your return. Anyone who isn't willing to identify themselves on your tax forms or asks you to sign your tax return before it's completed shouldn't be trusted.

Tax season can be stressful, but resources are available at IRS.gov to help you find a reliable and safe professional to help you through it.

TSA Deadlines & Real ID Scams
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The deadline is coming – in fact, it's almost here. Beginning May 7, 2025, airline passengers need an enhanced driver's license, known as Real ID, or a passport to board a plane. This change is based on a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission as a way to improve airline safety. Beware -- anytime there is a deadline there will also be scams.

Most Real ID scams will likely be phishing attempts that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as your state DMV or the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Be wary of emails, texts or phone calls claiming to be from these agencies -- or another state agency -- and never click on links. These government offices will not contact you about Real ID. It is an optional license and is up to each individual to obtain it on their own.

For more information about obtaining a Real ID , contact your state or local DMV office or visit dhs.gov/real-id.

How to Avoid Fake Check Scams
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Several scams rely on convincing the target to deposit a check as a first step of the crime. They then convince the target to use the money in a specific way. For example, in some work-from-home scams, the “company” will send a check for deposit, and then once it “clears”, they direct the target to purchase needed office equipment from the company’s “catalogue”.

The catch? The check was fake and it bounced, and the equipment catalogue was fake, too. The money the target spent on “equipment” came from their own money. And, the equipment never comes.

Even though a check deposit may appear to be cleared on your banking app or website, the process can take several weeks. The criminals rely on most of us not knowing this, so they get us to deposit and then quickly transact against the deposit. When the check is determined to be fake, the target is out that money.

Be suspicious anytime someone wants to send a check that you then must act on with some immediacy – making purchases, paying a fee or sending funds to a third party for example.
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Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork