AARP Washington

U.S. veterans are disproportionately targeted by scam artists, with 35 percent of veterans losing money to fraud compared with 25 percent of civilians, according to a 2021 AARP survey.

By Rick Baugh, Past President of the Washington Continuing Care Residents Association

AARP Washington recently asked members what issues are important to them, and the answers form the backbone of an on-demand Zoom series to help adults age with confidence and comfort.

Think you’re savvy enough to avoid being ripped off? Think again. Last year, Washington consumers lost more than $135 million to fraud, according to the Federal Trade Commission. That’s nearly double the amount lost in 2020.

AARP Washington announced four organizations throughout the state will receive 2022 Community Challenge grants – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.4 million awarded among 260 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital access; and civic engagement, with an emphasis on the needs of adults age 50 and over.

Changes to the new WA Cares Fund also include allowing employees who live out of state and certain other groups to apply for exemptions. And the program, which was initially set to begin this year, will launch in mid-2023.

Over the course of the pandemic, using technology to connect with family and friends was a lifeline for so many, but a switch away from 3G - third-generation wireless - could leave loved ones in a lurch.

To help those 50-plus stay vigilant in the fight against scammers, AARP Washington is hosting two online events each month.

It was a race to the finish, as AARP advocates and volunteers worked tirelessly to pass legislation during this year's 60-day legislative session. Several priority bills received most of our attention, as AARP focused on legislation to help older Washingtonians hold onto as much of their income as possible.

For anybody aggravated by incessant calls from scammers trying to separate them from their money, AARP Washington has a suggestion: Listen in.