Because fraud is underreported, we know that actual losses are much higher.

While education empowers older Americans to protect themselves, more is needed to eliminate this large-scale problem. That’s why AARP advocates for bipartisan laws and regulations to strengthen consumer protections against scams, on everything from illegal robocalls to gift card regulations to cryptocurrency scams and more. This work is done in state legislatures across the country, in Congress, and even at the White House.

Earlier this year, AARP joined White House officials and industry leaders in a meeting aimed at helping the federal government fight back against the use of artificial intelligence-enabled voice cloning to commit fraud. A virtual White House conference followed in June, with AARP again at the table. With fraud already at an epidemic level, the addition of AI-powered scams is alarming, which is why AARP is focused on advocating for a strong legislative response to this threat.

Already this year, the Federal Communications Commission has moved to make it illegal to use AI voice cloning in robocalls targeting consumers. As a result, a scammer who cloned President Biden’s voice to deceive voters in New Hampshire was recently fined $6 million.

The Latest in Amazon Impostor Scams

Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon’s name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.

Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor, and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality, they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.

False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires, these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real-looking websites where you can share your payment information.

Whenever doing business, renewing a membership, or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.

Homebuyers and Owners Beware

With today’s tight real estate market, there is often pressure to act quickly when you find that perfect place. Scammers know this and are waiting to pounce. Here are three things to be aware of when shopping for a home:

- Wire fraud can happen when a criminal impersonates a real estate or title company and asks you to send the closing costs to them. Before wiring any funds contact your real estate company and confirm the account information, routing instructions, and total amount needed.

- Criminals are also in the market to take advantage of those at risk of foreclosure. Beware of anyone promising to make your mortgage payment issues go away – especially if they ask for an upfront fee.

- If you are looking to rent a home, make sure and visit in person before paying a deposit. Rental scams happen often with criminals creating legitimate looking websites offering great deals on homes that aren’t really up for rent.

Catch Fighting Fraud with AARP Connecticut Webinar Series Live or On Demand

Learn about the current fraud tactics being used, how to recognize red flags, and strategies to avoid the dangers with the free, bimonthly Fighting Fraud with AARP Connecticut webinar series. People can virtually attend the live episodes, in which they can ask questions of the guests as well as watch recordings of previous webinars on the AARP Connecticut YouTube channel (watch episodes on Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency). The 2024 schedule includes virtual episodes on August 30, October 25, and December 20. All webinars are on Fridays at 12 p.m. Find details about this webinar series, as well as AARP Connecticut’s other free in-person and virtual events, at www.aarp.org/CTEvents.

AARP Connecticut “Shred Fraud” Sweepstakes

Shred fraud! Enter AARP Connecticut’s “Shred Fraud” Sweepstakes for a chance to win an 11-quart, picnic style Igloo Cooler and Amazon Basics Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card Home Office Shredder to prevent sensitive documents from getting into the hands of scammers. The AARP Connecticut-sponsored sweepstakes will be open and accepting entries until Saturday, August 31, at midnight. Entries must be received during this time and the first person drawn randomly will be the prize winner.

Knowledge gives people power over scammers and helps them stay a step ahead of criminals. Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Explore other free online Scam Prevention classes. Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

Nora Duncan is the state director for AARP Connecticut.