Get Educated, Feel Empowered, Fight Back Against Fraud

When a New Brunswick, NJ local and AARP member spent years fighting against fraud, scams and identity theft, he learned to fight back with help and resources from AARP NJ.

“This is what identity fraud looks like,” said Curt Springstead, New Brunswick, NJ local and AAPR NJ advocate, pointing to piles of evidence. “This is over three years of people trying to open 250 bank accounts in my name.”

Not only did scammers go after his bank account and his identity, but they also tried to scam money from a close family several times. Curt fought back with help and resources from AARP NJ and has since become a key fraud-fighting volunteer and member of the AARP NJ Speaker’s Bureau.

As an AARP fraud prevention advocate, Curt has empowered countless New Jerseyans to protect themselves and their loved ones from scams by courageously sharing his story and spreading awareness throughout the state.

Get the full story and register for the upcoming New Jersey Fraud Prevention Summit:

Who is the ‘2025 AARP NJ Fraud Summit on How AI is Changing’ Fraud for?
It’s for anyone interested in learning to fight back against fraud with a focus on the use of artificial intelligence technology in fraud. Learn insights on how scammers work, emerging threats in your own neighborhood, and the tools and resources you need, from AARP NJ and crime experts, to stay informed and protect yourself and loved ones.

• Cost: Free
• When: 9 AM – 3 PM, Tuesday, September 16, 2025
• Where: Pines Manor, 2085 Lincoln Highway, Edison, NJ 08817
• How: Register here for the NJ Fraud Summit: Decoded: How AI is Changing Fraud

“I’m never got to solve this. But I am a fighter and if you don’t throw a few punches you’re not going to hit anyone,” Springstead said. “I do it through the Speakers Bureau and the 50 other volunteers we have here in New Jersey.”

At this year’s fraud prevention Summit, AARP NJ is working with and will be featuring Michael T. Geraghty, State of New Jersey’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC), and the Federal Reserve, among others who share critical insights on emerging threats, policy responses, and best practices to locals, their family, and the community stay informed and protected.

“I’ve worked with AARP myself in a few fraud prevention programs,” said Marcus Goode, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. “They have been great in making sure we have outreach to people. Because the less cases we get, means the less people are being defrauded.”

Learn More about What AARP Offers in Your Community
This is just one way that AARP is helping [New Brunswick, NJ] residents have fun while improving locals’ health and involvement in the community. The local community team is also working on helping you stay healthy and involved with Walk With a Doc or engage with a social security ice cream social, and other issues and events that matter to you, your family and neighbors. Click on something that clicks with you at local.aarp.org/new-brunswick-nj.