Scams & Fraud

The numbers are in and 2022 was a doozy. While total reported scams to the Federal Trade Commission dropped by 1 million, the total reported amount lost grew by $2 billion for a total of $8.8 billion lost to scams and fraud. And this is just what’s reported – we know fraud is severely under-reported. Fueling the growth were dramatic increases in investment schemes and scams asking for cryptocurrency as a form of payment.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) says the “explosion of scams” has prompted the state to ramp up its fraud-prevention education efforts.

For many fraud victims, the financial toll is only part of the story; nearly two in three victims suffer a significant health or emotional impact, according to research by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation.

This year Social Security payments are being boosted by the biggest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in more than 40 years, and beneficiaries aren’t the only ones looking to cash in. Social Security impostor scams are among the most reported scams each year and criminals are already seeking to use the COLA boost to their advantage.

It’s National Consumer Protection Week —and while AARP is focused on protecting consumers year-round – this is a good time to highlight some key consumer protection tips.

Banking has changed quite a bit thanks to the internet. While many people still prefer the brick and mortar experience when dealing with their money, today you can do many of the same functions online and over the phone. Criminals are cashing in on these remote transactions by impersonating banks.

Just like the Groundhog says, winter isn’t going away anytime soon. That fact has many of us looking for a warm getaway this spring, but beware: scammers could be lurking on the other end of that sweetheart spring break deal. These three tips will help you spot a potential travel scam.

Ahora que casi todos los adultos en el país están en línea por trabajo, finanzas, compras o entretenimiento, los delincuentes tienen muchas oportunidades para robar dinero o datos personales confidenciales en internet.

With most U.S. adults online these days for work, finances, shopping or entertainment, criminals have many opportunities to steal money or sensitive personal information on the web.

Este año, los pagos del Seguro Social recibirán el mayor ajuste por costo de vida (COLA) en más de 40 años, y los beneficiarios no son los únicos que quieren aprovecharse de la situación. Las estafas de impostores del Seguro Social se encuentran entre las estafas más reportadas cada año y los delincuentes ya están tratando de utilizar el aumento del COLA para su propio beneficio.