Scams & Fraud

The holiday deals are already rolling in, but not every offer you see online is the real deal.

At AARP, we constantly track the latest fraud scams to stay one step ahead of scammers. According to the FBI’s most recent Elder Fraud Report, elder fraud complaints to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center increased by 46%, and associated losses increased by 43% in 2024. New York had the fourth highest number of complaints filed by people over the age of 60, and is the fourth highest in monetary losses in this age group, according to the FBI data.

The holidays should feel joyful, not stressful. But with all the shopping, deliveries, and donations this time of year, it can be hard to know what’s truly safe.

Social media can make it feel like we’re closer than ever to our favorite celebrities. But if a musician, actor, or athlete you admire suddenly sends you a private message, don’t get starstruck—get skeptical. It’s almost certainly a scam.

On November 10, 2025, Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. signed Act 9051, which amends title 34 of the Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15, expanding the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Protection Act. Act 9051 was approved by the Virgin Islands Legislature on October 30, 2025. AARP Virgin Islands State Director Troy de Chabert-Schuster testified before the 36th Virgin Islands Legislature in support of amendments to the territory’s Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Act (Bill 36-0099).

Holiday season is supposed to be joyful, but scammers can take the happy out of the holidays.

Victims of fraud should report to police first, then consider hiring a lawyer to recover assets and navigate legal remedies.

Fight fraud, shred instead

Scammers are always at work, trying to get your personal information or your money.

Veterans Day, celebrated each year November 11, is a time to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. It’s also a reminder of the need to protect veterans beyond their time in uniform.