AARP Pennsylvania Launches Campaign to Combat Fraud During Consumer Protection Week
As National Consumer Protection Week kicks off, AARP Pennsylvania is calling on residents throughout the state to engage in meaningful discussions with their families and friends about the prevalent issues of fraud, scams, and consumer rights. This initiative serves not only to raise awareness but also to encourage preventive measures against deceitful practices targeting consumers.
AARP has long been committed to consumer protection, and this week specifically emphasizes the necessity of being informed and proactive. Recent data from the AARP Fraud Watch Network reveals alarming trends regarding fraud in Pennsylvania. Victim reports show a variety of scams, with identity theft, impostor business schemes, online dating and romance scams, tech support fraud, and deceptive sales practices being among the most common. In the past year alone, 886 residents reported losses exceeding $14 million due to these fraudulent activities.
Mary Bach, who chairs AARP Pennsylvania's Consumer Issues Task Force, highlights the stark reality: "These statistics remind us that anyone can fall victim to fraud. Open conversations about scams empower individuals to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from financial harm."
In light of these concerning figures, AARP Pennsylvania encourages the public to take specific actions upon suspecting fraud. It is critical to contact your financial institution immediately if you believe a scam has affected you. They may be able to halt transactions or temporarily suspend your account to mitigate further losses. Furthermore, notifying local law enforcement helps in creating a record of the incident, which can be vital for restitution and identifying patterns in fraudulent behavior.
Reporting fraud to federal agencies, such as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, aids in tracking trends and pinpointing emerging threats across the country. Additionally, informing state lawmakers about personal experiences not only raises awareness but also contributes to legislative efforts aimed at improving consumer protections.
"The act of reporting fraud is paramount," stated Teresa Osborne, State Advocacy Director of AARP Pennsylvania. She emphasized that every report contributes to the larger fight against scams, boosting consumer protections and equipping others with the knowledge to steer clear of financial risks.
For residents who suspect they’ve been targeted by scams, or who wish to learn more about protective measures, AARP provides a dedicated helpline—AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline—operating from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. This resource is available to everyone, offering guidance and necessary information on identifying and reporting scams. More details can be accessed at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or through the AARP Pennsylvania Fraud Resource Page at aarp.org/pafraud.
To remain updated, residents are encouraged to connect with AARP Pennsylvania through their social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
About AARP:
AARP stands as the leading non-profit, nonpartisan organization in the U.S., dedicated to empowering individuals aged 50 and older to live fulfilling lives as they age. With a significant community presence, AARP champions causes that resonate with 125 million Americans over 50 and their families, focusing on health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. The organization is also known for its noteworthy publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. For additional insights, visit aarp.org/about-aarp or check out their social media accounts for continuous updates and resources.
AARP has long been committed to consumer protection, and this week specifically emphasizes the necessity of being informed and proactive. Recent data from the AARP Fraud Watch Network reveals alarming trends regarding fraud in Pennsylvania. Victim reports show a variety of scams, with identity theft, impostor business schemes, online dating and romance scams, tech support fraud, and deceptive sales practices being among the most common. In the past year alone, 886 residents reported losses exceeding $14 million due to these fraudulent activities.
Mary Bach, who chairs AARP Pennsylvania's Consumer Issues Task Force, highlights the stark reality: "These statistics remind us that anyone can fall victim to fraud. Open conversations about scams empower individuals to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from financial harm."
In light of these concerning figures, AARP Pennsylvania encourages the public to take specific actions upon suspecting fraud. It is critical to contact your financial institution immediately if you believe a scam has affected you. They may be able to halt transactions or temporarily suspend your account to mitigate further losses. Furthermore, notifying local law enforcement helps in creating a record of the incident, which can be vital for restitution and identifying patterns in fraudulent behavior.
Reporting fraud to federal agencies, such as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, aids in tracking trends and pinpointing emerging threats across the country. Additionally, informing state lawmakers about personal experiences not only raises awareness but also contributes to legislative efforts aimed at improving consumer protections.
"The act of reporting fraud is paramount," stated Teresa Osborne, State Advocacy Director of AARP Pennsylvania. She emphasized that every report contributes to the larger fight against scams, boosting consumer protections and equipping others with the knowledge to steer clear of financial risks.
For residents who suspect they’ve been targeted by scams, or who wish to learn more about protective measures, AARP provides a dedicated helpline—AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline—operating from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. This resource is available to everyone, offering guidance and necessary information on identifying and reporting scams. More details can be accessed at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or through the AARP Pennsylvania Fraud Resource Page at aarp.org/pafraud.
To remain updated, residents are encouraged to connect with AARP Pennsylvania through their social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
About AARP:
AARP stands as the leading non-profit, nonpartisan organization in the U.S., dedicated to empowering individuals aged 50 and older to live fulfilling lives as they age. With a significant community presence, AARP champions causes that resonate with 125 million Americans over 50 and their families, focusing on health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. The organization is also known for its noteworthy publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. For additional insights, visit aarp.org/about-aarp or check out their social media accounts for continuous updates and resources.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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