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Why Criminals Want Your Driver’s License

It's important to keep your personal data safe to avoid identity theft

AARP FRAUD WATCH NETWORKTM

Our team of fraud fighters has the real-world tips and tools to help protect you and your loved ones. 

      

877-908-3360

 Toll-free service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET

Publishers Clearing House to Pay Consumers $18.5M

The FTC says PCH made it seem as though customers needed to purchase a product to win

How to Spot Fake Reviews Before You Buy

Online marketplaces and the FTC are cracking down, but a little investigating on your part goes a long way

What to Do if Your Wallet Is Lost or Stolen

7 steps to prevent identity theft and money loss — plus how to replace what’s missing

Scam Alerts

Is the Postal Service Texting You — or a Scammer?

Criminals pretend to be delivery services, smishing for personal info and money

Tech Support Scams Are Rampant in 2023

How to thwart criminals who pretend to fix computer problems but steal your money instead

Experts Describe 14 of 2023's Most Common Scams

Criminals are quick to exploit current events and add new twists to well-known ruses

Money Can Be Stolen From Your Bank Account

Customers need to be vigilant as thefts from personal accounts become more common

Beware of ‘Do Me a Favor’ Scam Messages

An increasingly common scheme involves impostors claiming to need help buying gift cards

Real Estate Wire Fraud: Targeting Down Payments

A New Jersey couple lost nearly $92,000 to scammers — and they’re not alone

Americans Lost Record-Breaking $8.8 Billion to Scams

In 2022 the cost of investment schemes, impostor scams and other fraud skyrocketed

Chatbots and Voice-Cloning Fuel Rise in AI-Powered Scams

Cybercrime experts warn that new tech offers scammers frighteningly effective tools

Fraud Fighting

Stay Safe From Scams and Other Risks This Summer

Follow these tips so you and your family can enjoy summertime activities

5 Ways to Build Better Passwords

Be creative, change them regularly and store them safely

Health Care Fraud Exposed After Patient’s Death

A chiropractor’s office stole from Medicare and other health insurance providers for years

7 Tactics Criminals Use to Perpetrate Fraud

Scammers have learned how to manipulate people’s emotions and take advantage of their trust in others

Fraud Fighters Are Working to Keep Scam 'Epidemic' at Bay

Government agencies and others are seeking solutions as the crime wave continues

How, Why and When to Check (or Freeze) Your Credit Score

Monitoring your creditworthiness is key for tracking your financial health and spotting fraud

10 Worst Things to Carry in Your Wallet

With identity theft rampant, keep only the essentials in your pocket or purse

13 Ways to Protect Yourself From Fraud

Learn how to lower your risk and keep criminals at bay

Amazon Misled Customers Into Prime Subscriptions, FTC Says

The agency accuses the company of charging users without permission, and making it hard to cancel

Victim Support

AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline Is Fighting for You

Volunteers provide emotional support and practical advice to scam victims

Many Scam Victims Struggle With Mental Health

Experiencing fraud can often be both financially and emotionally devastating

Elder Fraud

5 Ways to Prevent Elder Financial Exploitation

Steps to help protect loved ones from theft

3 Ways to Help a Loved One Who Has Been Scammed

Ease their burden by offering compassion, assistance

The Legal Consequences of Elder Fraud Can Be Steep

Scams are on the rise, but here are ways to fight back

More on Fraud

10 Things to Know About Cryptocurrency Scams

Consumers reported losing $1.4 billion in 2022 to schemes involving crypto

Scams Target Spanish Speakers, Immigrants

Criminals try to exploit language barriers and fear of authorities for their own gain

Searching for a Job Online? Scammers Are Targeting You

Crooks pose as employers, but they’re out to steal your money

                         

 

FRAUD RESOURCE CENTER

Learn how to spot and avoid the common scams listed below

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