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Scams & Fraud
One of the most popular ways for criminals to steal money and sensitive information is by impersonating a trusted source—often a government agency. According to the Federal Trade Commission, victims of government impostor scams reported over $577 million stolen from them in 2024 – and due to underreporting, that’s likely a vast undercount.
There's been a twenty-fold increase in bank impersonation scams since 2019.
One of the most popular ways for criminals to steal money and sensitive information is by impersonating a trusted source—often a government agency.
Scams take many forms so being aware and understanding the variety of ways criminals use to steal money can help you stay a step ahead of scams. Scammers may seek payment through hard-to-trace methods with few or no protections including gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, peer-to-peer apps and, more recently, gold bars.
While scams take many forms, scammers may seek payment through a few hard-to-trace methods with few or no protections, including gold bars.
AARP California is hosting in-person fraud presentations, shred events, and cybersecurity workshops across San Diego!
AARP NY, Lawmakers and Law Enforcement Urge Boost for Fraud Protections
House Speaker Roger Hanshaw Discusses New Committee Process, Progress at Session's Halfway Point
The 2024 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, recently released by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows Wyomingites as having lost $20.1 million in total fraud losses in 2023 with a median fraud loss of $600 per incident. That ranks Wyoming 40th in the nation for fraud reported by population per 100,000 population.
The FTC announces record losses as the scam epidemic shows no sign of abating
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