The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline is a free service where you can report suspected fraud, get help determining if something is legitimate, or seek support if you or someone you care about has become a victim. Each year, we receive around 100,000 calls. Here’s a look back at some of the trends we saw in 2025.

If you learn something new in this alert, please share it with your friends and loved ones. Awareness plays a significant role in staying safe from these crimes.

ID Theft

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Identity theft remains widespread, as criminals use stolen personal information for their own gain.
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Criminals obtain personal information in many ways—from large-scale data breaches to phishing links and malware-infected sites that collect your data, as well as low-tech tactics like stealing mail or searching through trash.
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Identity theft becomes identity fraud when someone uses your information for financial gain—opening new accounts, filing for government benefits, submitting false tax returns, or taking over existing accounts. This can be done by the criminal who originally stole your data or by someone who purchased it.
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It’s a massive and growing problem, but there are steps to reduce risk, including creating stronger passwords, using multi-factor authentication, and reviewing and freezing your credit reports.
Business Impostor

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Business impostor scams continue to thrive and are becoming more sophisticated over time.
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These schemes frequently start with an unexpected call, email, text or social media message that appears to come from a business you rely on—your bank, utility provider, shipping company or other familiar entity.
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Criminals seek to get us into a state of fear or excitement, claiming there’s a problem with your account, or that you’ve just won a big prize. They know that if they can get us into a heightened state of emotion, our brains go right to addressing the issue at hand, casting logic aside.
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Today, unsolicited messages of any kind deserve extra caution. If you’re concerned there may be a real issue, contact the business directly at a number or site you know to be legitimate.
Romance Scams

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Romance scams once again come in among the most common scams this year.
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They often begin online through dating sites, social media, or even a “wrong number” text.
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A conversation begins, and trust develops over time. Then come the requests for money to help resolve some type of problem. Or in a newer twist, your love interest encourages you to invest in cryptocurrency—often a tactic to steer people toward fake platforms.
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Be cautious of fast-moving relationships , especially if they urge secrecy. If something feels off, talk it through with a trusted friend or family member.

Knowledge gives you power over scams. AARP Fraud Watch Network™ equips you with reliable, up-to-date insights and connects you to our free fraud helpline so you can better protect yourself and loved ones. We also advocate at the state, federal and local levels to enact policy changes that protect consumers and enforce laws.

Sincerely,
Kathy Stokes
AARP Fraud Watch Network

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Do you think you have been targeted or have fallen victim to a scam? Contact AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. Call 877‍-‍908‍-‍3360.