AARP Pennsylvania Warns Consumers to Stay Alert for Phishing Scams

Harrisburg, PA – AARP Pennsylvania is warning consumers about the growing threat of phishing scams—fraudulent attempts to steal personal and financial information through emails, phone calls, text messages, and fake websites. With scammers becoming more sophisticated, staying informed is key to protecting yourself.

The FBI’s latest Internet Crimes Report reveals that phishing scams were the most frequently reported cybercrime in 2023, with nearly 300,000 complaints and more than $18.7 million in reported losses. However, actual losses are likely much higher due to underreporting.

"Phishing scams have been around for decades, but they are more deceptive than ever,” said Mary Bach, AARP Pennsylvania Volunteer and Chair of the Consumer Issues Task Force. “Scammers pose as trusted businesses or government agencies to trick you into giving up sensitive information.”

Phishing attempts often claim an account has been compromised, a package delivery has failed, or a legal action is pending. Scammers may even manipulate caller ID to appear legitimate, making their deception harder to detect.

To help consumers stay safe, AARP Pennsylvania recommends:

• Verify the sender by checking email addresses and phone numbers carefully.
• Avoid clicking links or opening attachments in suspicious messages. Instead, visit the organization’s official website.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Report suspicious messages to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportphishing@apwg.org.

"Scammers are constantly refining their tactics," said David Kalinoski, AARP Pennsylvania Associate State Director. "By staying informed and taking a few simple precautions, consumers can greatly reduce their risk."

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Pennsylvania Fraud Resource Page at aarp.org/pafraud. 

MEDIA CONTACT: TJ Thiessen | tthiessen@aarp.org | 717-381-7420

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About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.