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Fraud Prevention

Watchdog Alerts

More Ways to Help Protect Yourself From Fraud

Hello,

According to the Federal Trade Commission, theft through fraud may have been as high as $158.3 billion in 2023 alone. That’s $434 million every day, or about $300,000 every minute, stolen from Americans by fraud criminals. To put this into perspective, if fraud were a U.S. company, it would rank in the top 40 by revenue.

Every one of us is a potential fraud target. But the good news is you can make yourself a harder one to reach.

In previous alerts, we shared tips like using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, checking your credit report, turning on auto-updates, ignoring unsolicited messages and shredding sensitive documents. Now, here are three more ways to safeguard your personal information.

Avoid Postal Theft

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Criminals are stealing mail in search of checks, which they can alter or “wash” to steal money out of your account.

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Collect your mail promptly after delivery and bring outgoing mail directly to the post office.

Bank Online

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Though it may feel counterintuitive, online banking is actually safer in many ways.

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You get 24/7 access to monitor your accounts and can set real-time alerts for activity.

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Setting up online access yourself also helps block criminals from doing it with stolen identifying information.

Use Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Apps Safely

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P2P apps like Venmo, Zelle and Cash App are convenient, but unlike credit cards, payments are instant and often irreversible.

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Two common P2P-related scams are impersonation (relative in trouble and needs money quickly) and fake sellers on online marketplaces.

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It’s safest to use them to transact with people you know and trust.

Knowledge gives you power over scams. AARP Fraud Watch Network^TM equips you with reliable, up-to-date insights and connects you to our free fraud helpline so you can better protect yourself and loved ones. We also advocate at the state, federal and local levels to enact policy changes that protect consumers and enforce laws.

Sincerely,
Kathy Stokes
AARP Fraud Watch Network

More from AARP Fraud Watch Network

3 Key Things to Know About Scams in 2025

AARP’s New Message to Stay Safe From Scams: Pause. Reflect. Protect.

Do you think you have been targeted or have fallen victim to a scam? Contact AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. Call 877‍-‍908‍-‍3360

Pet scams, romance scams, victim blaming and more.
Perfect Scam Podcast

Find the latest scams in YOUR local area.
Scam-Tracking Map

And one more thing

These days there is a scam for everyone, including grandparents, shoppers and people on Social Security and Medicare. This month on AARP Live: Ask Me Anything – Fraud Edition, our guests will answer your questions. Don't miss this live, interactive call-in show on Wednesday, Ju‍ly 1‍6, at 7:‍30 p.‍m. E‍T.

Join the Conversation

When it comes to fraud, vigilance is our number one weapon. You have the power to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams. Please share this alert with friends and family and visit the Fraud Resource Center for more information.

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