The $1.6 Billion Club No One Wants to Join: NJ Seniors Fighting Back

The Shocking Reality
Nearly 9 in 10 U.S. adults have experienced at least one scam. That’s not a typo. From fake shipping alerts to bogus charity pleas, scammers are relentless, especially during the holidays. In fact, the AARP Holiday Shopping and Scams Report shows that more than half of adults received a fake shipping notice this year, and nearly 4 in 10 were targeted through social media ads.

The cost? A staggering $1.6 billion in losses reported to the FTC last year. Welcome to the club no one wants to join.

Curt’s Story: From Victim to Warrior
Curt Springstead of New Jersey knows this fight all too well. After losing thousands to a sophisticated tech-support scam, Curt didn’t retreat. He discovered scammers had tried to open 250 bank accounts in his name over three years. He realized others needed to hear his story and became a fraud-fighting advocate. Today, as a member of AARP NJ Speakers bureau, he shares his experience and the AARP fraud fighting resources to help others spot red flags before it’s too late.

Why Holiday Scams Are Exploding
The holidays create the perfect storm for fraud:

• Fake Shipping Alerts: Clicking that “Your package is delayed” text could cost you your identity.
• Bogus Charities: Nearly one-third of adults received fraudulent donation requests this year.
• Gift Card Scams: Criminals love gift cards because they’re untraceable.
• Peer-to-Peer Payment Traps: Two in five users admit sending money to someone they didn’t know.

How to Stay Out of the Club

1. Verify Before You Give: Use tools like Charity Navigator or the IRS database.
2. Don’t Click Unsolicited Links: Go directly to the retailer’s site.
3. Use Credit, Not Debit: Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection.
4. Sign Up for AARP Fraud Watch Network Alerts: aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call 877-908-3360 for free support.
5. Check out common scams in your neighborhood: The AARP Fraud Watch Network Scam-Tracking Map shows scams reported in your area. Report your scam to warn your neighbors and see what else has been reported near you.

Learn Together, Protect Together

Want to feel more confident about spotting scams? Invite AARP New Jersey’s Speakers Bureau to your next community meeting at www.aarp.org/njspeakersbureau. These sessions aren’t lectures. They’re conversations led by volunteers who live right here in New Jersey. They share real stories, practical tips, and the latest scam trends so you and your neighbors can stay one step ahead. It’s free, and it could save someone you care about from becoming a victim.

Something Big Is Coming this Spring
Mark your calendars. The AARP Bulletin will feature fraud related information and this spring AARP New Jersey is planning a statewide initiative to help residents fight back against fraud like never before. Expect interactive events, practical tools, and real-time scam prevention resources, all designed to make protecting yourself easier and more effective. Details are coming soon, but here’s the bottom line: you won’t want to miss it.

Join the Movement
Don’t wait until you’re a statistic. Share this post. Tell your friends. Get regular updates on the latest scams by signing up for biweekly Watchdog Alerts or text FWN to 50757 to receive text alerts. Because the best way to beat scammers is to stay one step ahead.