AARP expert coming to Maui to teach consumers about fighting fraud

Fraud continues to surge across the United States, according to the latest AARP Fraud Watch Network report published in April.

Now in its fifth consecutive year of increases, the report reveals that more than 276 million US adults were exposed to cyber threats—primarily by downloading unverified apps or taking online quizzes from unreliable sources on social media.

An estimated 203 million adults have not activated multifactor authentication across all their accounts, and over one third of adults (approximately 95 million people) make themselves vulnerable to theft by responding to calls, texts or friend requests from people they don’t know, AARP research shows.

The report also notes:

• 90% of Americans acknowledge anyone can be a fraud victim;
• Overconfidence in detecting AI scams is a concern: More than half of adults believe they could spot AI-driven fraud, despite how sophisticated and undetectable some AI scams have become;
• Weak password practices remain common: 64% of adults reuse passwords across accounts;
• Many users link their social media logins to other platforms, especially those ages 18–49 (48%), putting multiple accounts at risk if one is compromised; and
• Most people don’t use a VPN on public Wi-Fi, leaving personal data exposed.

To combat rising scams, AARP elder fraud expert Paul Greenwood—a former deputy district attorney—will visit Hawaiʻi from May 12–16 to lead a series of free public presentations. On May 13, Greenwood will speak in Lahaina at 9:30 a.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center and in Pāʻia at 1:30 p.m. at Kaunoa Senior Services.

Attendees must pre-register to reserve a seat and receive refreshments (continental breakfast in Lahaina and snacks in Pāʻia). Visit events.aarp.org/hifraud25 or aarp.org/local for details.

“We all have a responsibility to share information with friends, family and neighbors about how we can better protect ourselves from becoming victims of fraud,” Greenwood said. “And we must make reporting of such crimes more accessible to everyone.”

The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides:

• A free fraud helpline at 877-908-3360
• Support groups for fraud victims
• Advocacy at the state and national level for stronger consumer protections

Learn more and access resources at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.