AARP Report: Elevated Risks of Fraud Are Pervasive in America

According to a new AARP Fraud Watch Network report, an estimated 141.5 million adults (42%) have had money or sensitive information stolen through fraud. The report highlights what US adults are doing (or not doing) to protect themselves, their knowledge of top fraud tactics, and their sentiments about fraud in our society.

Most of Americans are at elevated risk from fraud by using the same or similar passwords across online accounts, not using a virtual private network (VPN) when on public Wi-Fi, engaging with social media quizzes, downloading free apps, and responding to communication (text, messages, calls, etc.) from people they don’t know. The report also shows that a majority of adults (58%) worry about fraud, reflecting its increased growth in recent years. Furthermore, more people today believe that fraud can happen to anyone, which is a significant change in sentiment from 2019, when older adults were perceived as the primary victims.

“The growth of the fraud industry seems to know no bounds,” said AARP Wyoming State Director Sam Shumway. “While prevention education is critical, we cannot educate our way out of this crisis. It’s important that we establish a unified front to protect ourselves and those we care about through reporting and resources.”

The AARP survey showed some good news: most adults update their device’s operating software when prompted (these often fix known vulnerabilities) and use multi-factor authentication on their accounts, which provides stronger protection from fraud. The survey also found that the majority of US adults are aware that criminals seek to convince targets of an urgent financial matter that can be addressed with gift card purchases or by converting cash to cryptocurrency. Notably, however, Black Americans were slightly less likely than others to be aware of these tactics – which is further substantiated by reports of fraud being greater among Black adults than other groups.

Wyoming-Specific Threats
The 2024 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, recently released by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows Wyomingites as having lost $20.1 million in total fraud losses in 2023 with a median fraud loss of $600 per incident. That ranks Wyoming 40th in the nation for fraud reported by population per 100,000 population.

Imposter scams accounted for 19% of the reported fraud. The imposter scams happen when a scammer contacts a citizen and claims to be a representative of a government agency or other organization, and threatens jail or personal loss if the citizen doesn’t immediately pay the scammer.

Identity theft made up 12% of the 5,212 fraud reports to the FTC, while online shopping and negative reviews account for 11% of reported fraud. Inside of the identity theft category, credit card theft made up 27% of reported 697 incidents of identity theft in Wyoming in 2023, followed by loan/lease theft, bank account (14%), and tax or employment identity theft (8%).

AARP Wyoming’s Fraudettes Set Fight Fraud During Zoom Events
Join the Fraudettes, a dynamic team of AARP Wyoming volunteers, every month for a fun and interactive fraud-fighting experience. Explore the latest scams, hear insights from engaging guests like local law enforcement, FBI representatives, or consumer protection advocates, and test your knowledge with lively fraud trivia.

This 30-minute Zoom session, hosted by the energetic Fraudettes team - BJ Jibben, Nancy Fraley, and moderator Tracy Swaim - equips you with the tools to stay ahead of scammers. Bring your questions for the live Q&A and leave feeling more confident in protecting yourself and your loved ones. Mark your calendar for the Third Thursday of every month at 4:30 PM MT for this can’t-miss session. The podcasts will also be livestreamed on AARP Wyoming’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AARPWY.

• March 20 - Fraudettes Video Podcast Registration
• April 17 - Fraudettes Video Podcast Registration
• May 15 - Fraudettes Video Postcast Registration

AARP’s Fraud Watch NetworkThe AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource that equips consumers with up-to-date knowledge to spot and avoid scams and connects those targeted by scams with our fraud helpline specialists who provide support and guidance on what to do next. Anyone can call the helpline at 877-908-3360. The Fraud Watch Network also offers free, facilitated peer discussion groups that seek emotional support for those experiencing fraud; and advocates at the federal, state, and local levels to enact policy changes that protect consumers and enforce laws.