AARP warns of growing fraud among U.S. citizens
'We used to see maybe 15 percent of people, seven or eight years ago, reporting that they've experienced fraud, now we're up to 41 percent,' Kathy Stokes, the Director of Fraud Prevention programs with the AARP Fraud Watch Network, said.
Stokes said while fraud affects people of all ages, older adults often face the greatest financial losses, putting their retirement security and well-being at risk.
The measures to protect oneself remain the same across the board. From food delivery services to financial accounts, many people still reuse the same passwords. This is a big no-no, Stokes said.
Change these out for unique and strong passwords for every single account, Stokes suggested. Using a password manager could help you keep track of them all.
'If we don't do it, we're putting ourselves at risk, that one criminal enterprise will crack one, and all of them,' Stokes explained.
Downloading an app on social media? Don't do it if its from an unofficial source, because fake apps that mimic popular and legitimate apps will expose you instead to fraud and cyber threats.
Before downloading an app, read reviews and ratings from other users; use official app stores like the Google play store, and Apple app store.
New research shows more Americans nowadays believe anyone can be a victim of fraud, not just the not too tech savvy.
Stokes said this shift in thinking is important, 'It's really important that we understand, this is a crime, that it isn't the fault of the victim. We begin to see a shift, and what we do about it as a society.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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