New research from AARP finds that fraud is a growing concern for Americans, with nearly 4 in 10 U.S. adults — about 103 million people — reporting they have already experienced fraud and an estimated 159 million worried about becoming victims.
The research finds that about 30 percent of adults say their biggest fear is being targeted themselves, followed by losing money with no way to recover it at 21 percent and seeing a loved one victimized at 15 percent. Nine in ten Americans agree that fraud can happen to anyone.
The report also found persistent gaps in digital security, including password reuse, limited use of private virtual networks on public Wi-Fi and low adoption of multifactor authentication. One in six adults say they answer calls or respond to texts from unknown contacts, and roughly half download free apps or take online quizzes that can expose personal data.
To mark AARP Fraud Prevention Month this April, AARP Rhode Island is hosting a series of free local events, including “Fraud Fighting Fridays,” free on-site document shredding in nine cities and towns across the state beginning April 10 in Providence. Fraud prevention presentations are also scheduled at the Providence East Side YMCA and Cranston YMCA. A full event schedule is available at aarp.org/RIEvents.
“Criminals are persistent, and awareness alone won’t stop them,” said AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor. “That’s why we’ve worked at the State House to pass legislation addressing gift card and crypto ATM fraud.”
Rhode Island was among the first of 22 states to pass legislation regulating cryptocurrency kiosks, which criminals frequently use to collect payments from fraud victims. AARP is currently supporting bills in the House and Senate that would protect property owners from deed fraud.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline is available free at 877-908-3360, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. More information is available at aarp.org/localfraudevents.
