AARP Joins Aspen Institute Fraud Task Force

Fraud today is largely run by sophisticated, large-scale operations led by transnational crime groups, stealing an estimated $158 billion from Americans in a single year.

This is not just a consumer education issue — it’s a national security threat that demands urgent attention.

That’s why AARP has joined the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program’s National Task Force on Fraud and Scam Prevention. Alongside more than 80 organizations — including financial institutions, technology companies, law enforcement, federal agencies and consumer advocates — we helped launch a proposal for the first-ever national fraud strategy that lays out a blueprint for stronger, coordinated action to combat fraud.

AARP is proud to be part of this effort, and we look forward to working with partners and policymakers to improve collaboration, modernize information sharing and reporting, and enhance law enforcement capabilities in the fight against fraud that harm millions of Americans.

AARP is also urging lawmakers to step up and strengthen fraud prevention through legislation. With AARP’s support, several states have taken action, drafting or passing laws that target real estate and romance scams, cryptocurrency kiosk fraud, suspicious financial transactions and gift card theft.

But it’s not just about changing laws – it’s about changing the culture around fraud. AARP continues its work to change how we talk about and think about fraud victims; see aarp.org/saythis.

Across the country, our state offices and volunteers are working together with other organizations to address fraud. If you’re interested in joining over 1,000 AARP fraud-fighter volunteers engaged in these and other activities to fight fraud, email us at fwn@aarp.org.