In 2023, for the first time in history, reported fraud losses in the U.S. exceeded $10 billion. From investment scams to impostors and prize schemes, criminals are targeting and stealing from consumers daily. The AARP Fraud Watch Network™ is a free resource that helps combat this wave of nefarious activity, providing information, resources, and tools that empower individuals to spot and avoid scams or seek guidance if they have been targeted. And now, a growing legion of digital fraud fighters is working diligently to protect you from financial fraud.
Digital Fraud Fighters share information on common scams, detailing how to spot and avoid them, alongside a broad spectrum of fraud- and scam-related information to enhance your safety, both online and offline.
“Research shows that if you know about a specific scam, you’re 80% less likely to engage with it and you’re 40% less likely to lose money or personal information if you do engage,” says Jessica Prell, Advisor, Fraud Prevention Programs. “Knowledge is power. Getting the word out there so people can spot a scam and avoid it is very important.”
Digital Fraud Fighters do just that. By sharing the Fraud Network’s expansive resources, they help get the word out about scams. Volunteers complete the required training to gain access to resources and campaign materials. They participate using their own social media profiles to inform their contacts and groups to which they belong about the latest scams and types of fraud, especially those targeting older adults.
Joyce E. Williams, state president of AARP Virginia, discovered the opportunity to become a Digital Fraud Fighter during a meeting. Intrigued, she promptly signed up, finding participation to be quick and straightforward. “I was drawn to participate because the impact of my actions could be tracked, allowing us to see numerically just how far-reaching the curated story could be," she says. “If I could change anything about my impact, it would be to encourage those who only 'like' my posts to share them with their friends or followers."
The Digital Fraud Fighters program began several years ago. However, in January, the program underwent a refresh with new digital tools to help volunteers easily disseminate information online. Within a month, the effort attracted approximately 100 people who have collectively amplified each information piece to more than 100,000 views, according to William Stoner, Director of Outreach for AARP’s Office of Volunteer Engagement.
Volunteers participate based on their comfort level and availability, whether they contribute an hour or two weekly or dive deeper to extend outreach efforts. Participation is flexible, and volunteers should possess strong communication and social media skills.
“We are excited about this because it is a low-threshold opportunity. Volunteers can give as much time as they wish. And they may also find that they want to get more involved with the many opportunities AARP has at the state level,” Stoner says. “Once they complete the training, some people have begun posting within an hour. It is a great way to give back, regardless of how much time you have.”
If you are interested in becoming a Digital Fraud Fighter, visit this page for more information, and if you are looking for other ways to give back, visit www.createthegood.org.