Scammers are not just targeting corporations or high-profile targets anymore. According to new research from AARP, fraud has become something many Americans are already dealing with personally, and millions more worry they could be next.
The numbers are hard to ignore. Nearly four in ten U.S. adults, about 103 million people, say they have already experienced fraud in some form. Meanwhile, roughly 159 million Americans say they are concerned about becoming victims in the future. In other words, this is no longer a niche problem. It is something people across the country are thinking about.
For some folks, the fear is very personal. About 30 percent of adults say their biggest concern is being targeted themselves. Others say they worry about losing money they cannot recover, while some fear a loved one getting caught up in a scam. These crimes are not just financial either. They often leave people feeling embarrassed, stressed, and unsure of who to trust online.
“Criminals are persistent, and awareness alone won’t stop them,” said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. “That’s why we’re showing up in communities across New York, providing practical tools, trusted guidance, and resources people can use right now to help protect themselves and their loved ones. Through our popular The Big Shred NY events, we empower New Yorkers to take back control and safeguard their personal information. Shredding events are one of the many tools AARP provides to consumers to help prevent identity theft.”
To help people stay ahead of scammers, AARP New York is rolling out several initiatives throughout April, which is recognized as Fraud Prevention Month. One of the biggest efforts is The Big Shred NY, a series of free document shredding events happening across the state. These events are taking place in places like Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, New York City, Long Island, the Capital Region, and the Hudson Valley.
The idea is simple. Old documents can contain personal information that scammers would love to get their hands on. By securely shredding them, people can remove one potential doorway into identity theft.
Beyond shredding events, AARP is also hosting educational workshops and online discussions where residents can learn about the latest scams and how to avoid them. One upcoming session titled “Money Mindset: Financial and Emotional Impact of Fraud” is scheduled for April 21 and will explore how scams affect victims both financially and emotionally.
There will also be tele town halls where residents can ask fraud experts questions directly, along with a live fraud prevention broadcast that will stream online.
The research also sheds light on some habits that can leave people exposed. About one in six adults say they respond to calls or texts from unknown numbers. Many people also download free apps or take online quizzes on social media that can quietly collect personal data.
Security basics are still a weak spot too. Many people reuse the same passwords across multiple accounts, skip using multifactor authentication, or connect to public Wi-Fi without taking extra precautions.
To help address that, AARP promotes its Fraud Watch Network, which provides free tools and resources aimed at helping people recognize scams before it is too late. The program includes a helpline staffed by trained specialists who can guide people through what to do if they think they have been targeted. It also offers regular alerts about emerging scams and a public map that shows where fraud is being reported.
AARP New York is also pushing for stronger protections at the legislative level, particularly laws designed to help protect people over 60 from financial exploitation.
The big takeaway here is that fraud is no longer some rare event that only happens to the unlucky few. Most Americans now believe it can happen to anyone. And judging by the numbers, a lot of folks have already learned that lesson the hard way.
