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, DC—More adults age 50 and older are sharing their homes with others as they age, up from 2 percent in 2014 to 16 percent in 2018 according to AARP’s 2018 Home and Community Preferences survey. The majority of those who prefer to live alone as they age say they would consider sharing their home if they needed help with everyday activities, companionship or extra income. Older adults also showed strong interest in other living and housing options including joining a “village,” or living in or building an accessory dwelling unit.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins released a statement in reaction to the news of Sen. John McCain’s passing. “The nation has lost a true public servant in Senator John McCain....

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A majority (70 percent) of elderly dementia patients prescribed dementia drugs are on them long-term despite the lack of evidence that they provide any benefit beyond one year, according to a new report by AARP Public Policy Institute. The study found that some patients took dementia drugs for as long as a decade, costing as much as $20,000 per patient.