You were scammed! Now what?

According to Virginia AARP that actively monitors scams and tries to help people stop them,“if there is one thing everyone should understand, it is that “scammers” are career criminals skilled at the art of manipulation, and no one is immune. These crooks target people of any age; in fact, 41 per cent of people who reported a fraud loss to the Federal Trade Commission in 2023 were under the age of 30. So, what can a person do if you experience fraud?

One resource is the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. Every weekday, trained AARP volunteer fraud fighters are helping victims and their families understand what happened, report the crime, and start to put their lives back together. That number is 1-977-908-3360. AARP also offers an online small group victim support program to help address the emotional harm fraud victimization causes. Learn more at aarp.org/fraudsupport.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of fraud, make sure to file a report with local police; among other things, you will have this as evidence in the event restitution becomes possible down the line.

Be a fraud fighter!  If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. 

Anyone of any age may visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork  or may call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.