AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Fraud Watch Network Survey Results

Theft through fraud has risen exponentially over the last five years. A recent report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), found that reported fraud losses topped $10 billion in 2023, up from $2.4 billion in 2019. A recent survey from the AARP Fraud Watch Network showed that this growth is not going unnoticed with 58% of people worried about fraud.

The survey also showed many people have lost money or personal data due to scams and fraud. Overall, 42% of people reported losing money, but among African Americans (56%) and veterans (50%) significantly more people lost money. Unfortunately, less than half (46%) of those who were victims of fraud shared their experience with friends and family.

Having money or sensitive data stolen from a fraud criminal can be a traumatizing experience and all too often victims want to keep that trauma private. However, it’s often more harmful and isolating because victims end up suffering in silence. It is also a missed opportunity to protect friends and family by sharing an important story that could help keep them safe.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

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.