A new study highlights how deeply fraud has penetrated American households, with both exposure and anxiety climbing as scams grow more sophisticated.
Roughly 103 million US adults (close to four in ten) say they have already encountered fraud, while about 159 million worry they could become victims. About 30% of respondents to the AARP survey identified being personally targeted as their primary concern, followed by fears of losing money irretrievably (21%) and having a loved one fall victim (15%).
“Criminals are constantly evolving their tactics, which is why staying informed and talking openly about fraud is so important,” said Kathy Stokes, Senior Director, Fraud Prevention Programs, AARP Fraud Watch Network. “By sharing what we’re seeing and learning from family, friends, and neighbors, and encouraging others to report fraud to law enforcement, we can reduce the stigma around being targeted and strengthen our collective defense.”
The findings suggest fraud risk is widely recognized, with nine in ten Americans agreeing that anyone can be targeted. Yet behavior continues to leave many exposed. One in six people still engage with unsolicited calls or messages, and about half report downloading free apps or participating in online quizzes that may compromise personal data.
At the same time, gaps in cybersecurity habits persist. Weak password practices, limited use of secure networks in public settings, and low adoption of multifactor authentication remain common vulnerabilities, according to the report.
There are, however, signs of progress. A majority of respondents report using protective measures such as device locks, antivirus software, and automatic updates, while many demonstrate awareness of common scam tactics like requests for payment via gift cards.
Still, underreporting continues to hinder enforcement efforts. While most victims notify their financial institutions, far fewer escalate cases to law enforcement or federal agencies, limiting the ability to track and disrupt repeat offenders.
The research comes as AARP ramps up outreach during Fraud Prevention Month, aiming to boost awareness and equip consumers with tools to better safeguard their finances in an increasingly complex threat landscape.
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