1.
How and Why to Report Fraud
It’s National Consumer Protection Week, and while AARP works year‑round to help protect people from fraud, this is a good time to talk about how and why to report fraud.
Fraud is widely underreported in this country. Sometimes, people don’t realize that fraud is a crime. Other times, victims don’t report because of undeserved feelings of shame or embarrassment. The lack of a single, centralized reporting system may also deter reporting. Here is some guidance on where you can report.
Your bank: If you recognize a scam right away and it involves your financial institution, contact them immediately. They may be able to stop or reverse transactions, or freeze your account to help prevent additional payments or withdrawals by scammers.
Local law enforcement: Filing a report creates an official record, which may be helpful for future restitution. Reporting also matters because the more people who come forward, the more information law enforcement has to identify patterns and catch criminals.
The feds: You can also report scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at
ic3.gov. While federal agencies don’t typically follow up on individual cases, these reports help them track trends and better understand the scope of the problem.
Lawmakers: Consider sharing your experience with lawmakers — including local legislators, your state attorney general and Members of Congress. The more they hear directly from constituents about fraud, the more likely they are to take action to address it.
2.
New Rule May Add Surge of IRS Imposter Scams
IRS impostor scams tend to spike during tax season, and a new change in how refunds are issued could create added confusion and opportunities for scammers.
Starting this year, the IRS will only issue tax refunds electronically as the federal government moves away from paper checks. Changes like this are often used by scammers to make their messages sound more believable.
Scammers impersonating the IRS may contact you claiming they need your banking information to “update your refund details” because of the new rule. Know that the IRS generally will not call, text or email you. Rather, the agency will send a letter to the taxpayer’s last known address explaining next steps or requesting additional information.
If you’re unsure whether a message is legitimate, don’t engage. Instead, confirm your tax refund or payment status by contacting the IRS directly using a trusted phone number from an official IRS letter, or by logging in to your IRS Online Account if you have one.
3.
'We'll Buy Your Home' Ads and Mailers
If you own a home, you’ve probably received a solicitation saying, “We want to buy your house.” The offer may sound appealing, but it’s often not in your best interest.
These sell‑your‑home schemes often target older homeowners who are likely to have significant home equity. The bad actors search public records for foreclosure filings, divorces or recent deaths to identify homeowners who may be under financial or emotional stress.
They frequently rely on high‑pressure sales tactics and misleading claims—including misrepresenting the value of your home, exaggerating market conditions to create a false sense of urgency, or even suggesting you may owe back taxes.
Even promises to buy homes “as is” can be misleading. In some cases, buyers later back out of that pledge and demand repairs before completing the sale, leaving the seller responsible for costly fixes after all.
If you’re thinking about working with a “We Buy Homes” company, know the true value of your home, understand what you’re signing, and get legal advice before moving forward.
4. Take Part in a Free Event During AARP Fraud Prevention Month
Scams are everywhere today — from fake texts and emails to nonstop phone calls — and the damage is devastating. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost as much as $196 billion to financial fraud in 2024, with older adults losing as much as $81.5 billion.
This April, AARP is mounting a nationwide Fraud Prevention Month, through which volunteers across the country will host hundreds of free local events that offer practical ways to stay informed, safe and connected. Many sites will also offer free, safe document shredding to help prevent identity theft.
You can also join us from the comfort of your home on April 15 for a special fraud prevention broadcast on RFD‑TV and online, or pick up the phone for a nationwide Tele‑Town Hall with AARP fraud experts on April 30. Learn more at aarp.org/fraudsafety.
Fraud affects every generation, and AARP Fraud Watch Network is helping people fight back — one community at a time. By learning together and sharing information, we can better protect one another.
