AARP today released the first in a series of new episodes of its popular podcast The Perfect ScamSM, featuring stories from real scam victims and fraud prevention tips.

As Valentine’s Day approaches and millions of Americans meet others on matchmaking websites, dating apps and social media, 27 percent of those polled in a new AARP survey reported that they, a family member or a friend have encountered attempted financial scams while seeking friendship or love interest online.

WASHINGTON, DC—Information stolen in computer breaches of well-known companies is flooding into an underground digital market called the Dark Web, where criminals buy and sell Social Security numbers, credit card information and computer passwords to be used for fraud, an investigation in the September issue of AARP Bulletin reveals. Using software originally developed by the U.S. Navy and available for free to anyone who wishes to download it, criminals buy and sell private data with complete anonymity, then use it to commit identity fraud. Approximately 6.6 percent of U.S. adults were victimized last year, the report shows, and allegedly, more than half of Americans’ Social Security numbers are for sale for as low as a few dollars each. The article also details how identity fraud typically occurs, and the many proven, powerful ways consumers can protect themselves.

WASHINGTON, DC—As data breach incidents proliferate, a new AARP survey finds that an alarming number of people have failed to take the basic precautions against identity fraud. In response, the AARP Fraud Watch Network today launched a campaign to raise awareness of identity theft risks and educate consumers on how to enhance the safety of their personal information.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — AARP announced today the launch of “An AARP Take on Today,” a weekly podcast hosted by Bob Edwards, the original and longtime host of NPR’s flagship program “Morning Edition.” Each new episode will feature in-depth news interviews on timely topics with guest experts on health, work, money, aging, entertainment and more.

WASHINGTON, DC—As AARP today launches its second annual “Operation: Stop Scams” -- a five-week-long series of more than 150 free document-shredding events and fraud education activities in communities coast-to-coast – a new AARP survey finds that almost half of consumers ignore experts’ recommendations to regularly shred their sensitive financial records.

WASHINGTON, DC—As the federal government undertakes a major initiative to issue new identification cards to the nation’s 58 million Medicare beneficiaries, an AARP survey finds that a majority of those enrollees are at risk of being victimized by fraud schemes designed to capitalize on the card replacement program.

WASHINGTON, DC — AARP announced today the launch of “The Perfect Scam”, a weekly podcast profiling America’s most shocking consumer scam stories.

WASHINGTON, DC—As tax time approaches, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network is redoubling its efforts to help taxpayers avoid criminal imposters who aim to defraud them. The problem is serious, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting that tax fraud ranked second in 2017 in types of identity theft reported, as over 82,000 reports were made last year. But a new poll from AARP, which surveyed 1,005 Americans by phone, reveals that people may have a false sense of security, as three-fifths (62 percent) report they’re either extremely confident or very confident in their ability to detect fraud.

WASHINGTON, DC—Nearly four in ten (39 percent) Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) age 50 and older report that they or their family members have experienced fraud schemes, according to the recent fraud survey from AARP. Additionally, one-third (33 percent) of victims lost $15,000 on average. Non-financial costs are even more widespread, with most fraud victims (72 percent) experiencing some sort of emotional, physical or mental health impact, including anger, stress and anxiety, difficulty sleeping and shame.