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Emerging fraud tactics to watch for, and resources to help if you or someone you love has been targeted.

Innovative & Emerging Fraud Methods

Modern fraudsters constantly adapt their tactics. Here are some of the most prevalent and dangerous methods being used today:

Phishing & Spear Phishing

Fake emails impersonating banks, government agencies, or employers trick users into revealing passwords, account numbers, or personal information. Spear phishing targets specific individuals with personalized messages crafted from data gathered on social media.

Vishing (Voice Phishing)

Scammers call pretending to be IRS agents, Social Security officials, bank fraud departments, or tech support. They use fear, urgency, and false authority to pressure victims into immediate payment or disclosure of sensitive account information.

Romance Scams

Fraudsters build fake romantic relationships online over weeks or months, then fabricate emergencies requiring money — medical bills, travel costs, legal fees. Victims often lose their entire savings without ever meeting the person they believed they loved.

Tech Support Scams

Pop-up warnings claim your computer has viruses. Victims call a fake "helpline" and are pressured into paying hundreds of dollars for nonexistent repairs — or grant remote access to their device, allowing criminals to drain bank accounts directly.

Investment & Crypto Fraud

Fake trading platforms and cryptocurrency schemes promise extraordinary returns. Once victims invest, the fraudsters either vanish or invent fees that must be paid before any "withdrawal" can occur, extracting money until the victim has nothing left.

Identity Theft

Using stolen personal data, criminals open credit cards, take out loans, file false tax returns, and access medical benefits in victims' names — leaving a trail of financial destruction that can take years and enormous effort to reverse.

Grandparent Scam

Callers pose as a grandchild or a lawyer claiming a grandchild is in legal trouble. The panicked grandparent is instructed to send cash or gift cards immediately and to tell no one — emotional manipulation targeting the trust and love of older adults.

Lottery & Prize Scams

Victims receive notices claiming they have won a prize or lottery. To collect, they must first pay "processing fees," "taxes," or "customs charges." The prize never arrives — but the fee demands keep escalating until the victim runs out of money.

Support

You are not alone. Whether you are a victim seeking help or a concerned family member, resources are available — free, confidential, and ready to assist.

Report Fraud Now

Contact the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357. Your report helps stop fraudsters and protect the next potential victim.

Emotional Support

Being defrauded causes real emotional trauma. The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 offers free support and counseling referrals for fraud victims and their families.

Financial Recovery

Contact your bank immediately if money was taken. File a report with local law enforcement. The Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov handles online fraud cases and coordinates with federal investigators.

Community Outreach

Request a free fraud awareness presentation for your senior center, library, church, or community group. Our trained volunteers reach hundreds of communities every year — at no cost to the organization.