Beat Scammers at Their Own Game

Last year, Texans reported 429,000 fraud cases, including identity theft, with losses of $636.4 million, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

AARP Texas staff and volunteers are taking on fraud, hosting and partnering with various organizations to offer a diverse lineup of events year-round, including shredding events, informative telephone town halls, virtual classes and community gatherings.

To find and sign up for events in the cities below, go to www.aarp.org/local.

• Austin
• Dallas
• El Paso
• Fort Worth
• Houston
• San Antonio

If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam, know that you are not alone and that resources are available to help.

AARP offers a wealth of support through its Fraud Watch Network, providing guidance and assistance to victims. The helpline is equipped with trained fraud specialists. Additionally, AARP’s partnership with Volunteers of America offers the ReST Victim Support Program, which provides peer-led virtual sessions to help you cope with the emotional impact of fraud. Seeking help is vital in recovering from a scam, and AARP is here to support you every step of the way.

AARP FRAUD-PREVENTION RESOURCES

AARP Fraud Watch Network

Get the latest news and information on scams, sign up for biweekly Watchdog Alerts, review more than 70 quick tip sheets on common scams, or report a scam on our scam-tracking map.

AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline - 877-908-3360

AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Helpline is a free resource for AARP members and nonmembers alike. Trained fraud specialists and volunteers field thousands of calls each month. Report a scam or get guidance you can trust, free of judgment.

Volunteers of American (VOA) ReST Victim Support Program

ReST stands for Resilience, Strength, and Time. AARP has joined with Volunteers of America to bring this helpful resource to victims of fraud and their families. This peer-led virtual session hosts up to five people and exists to address the emotional impact of your fraud experience.

The Perfect Scam Podcast

AARP’s weekly podcast, The Perfect Scam, tells the stories of people who have been the target of scams. Host Bob Sullivan introduces listeners to those who have experienced scams firsthand, as well as professional con artists and leading experts who pull back the curtain on how scammers operate.

EXTERNAL RESOURCES

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Help

Report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission. Reported information is used to help with investigations and help determine where resources and education should go.

Call toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)

National Do Not Call Registry

To help cut down on robocalls, add all your numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry, operated by the FTC. Legitimate telemarketers avoid calling numbers on the registry, thus, making it easier to spot calls from scammers. Register your numbers at 1-888-382-1222.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

If you have a complaint about fraudulent activity involving a bank account or service, credit reporting, and debt collection, among other areas, contact the CFPB to file a complaint.