3 Things to Know About Scams

Here are three important things to know about fraud right now.

First, most scams today are often run by highly organized international criminal networks, not individuals acting alone. These mafia-style organizations use stolen money to fund abusive criminal activity around the world, including Southeast Asian fraud compounds that rely on human trafficking, forced labor, and torture. Fighting scams isn’t just about protecting your life savings, it’s also about cutting off funding to these inhumane and violent organizations.

Second, just as you take steps to protect your health or home, you can take steps to safeguard your finances. This means taking actions like blocking unknown callers, using strong and unique passwords for every account, enabling two-factor authentication on your online accounts freezing your credit, checking your credit report regularly, and shredding documents that contain personal information.

Third, if you do fall victim, report the crime, as fraud is notoriously underreported. Reporting isn’t just about helping authorities catch criminals. It also helps expose the true scale of the problem and the need for fraud-fighting resources. The AARP Fraud Watch Network recommends reporting to your local police to create an official record and to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

With about 1 million members in Virginia, AARP is the largest organization working on behalf of people age 50-plus and their families in the Commonwealth. To learn more about how AARP Virginia is working in your community, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aarpvirginia and follow @AARPVa on X at www.X.com/aarpva.

 

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, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their 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/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.