AARP Warns of Skyrocketing Fraud on Social Media and Shopping Apps
As the holiday shopping rush peaks, a new report from AARP warns that criminals are working overtime. According to the latest survey data, 89% of U.S. consumers were targeted by fraud over the last year, with schemes involving gift cards, charities, and online shopping seeing a massive seasonal spike.
Sean Voskuhl, Oklahoma State AARP Director, discussed the findings, debunking the myth that only older adults are vulnerable. In today’s tech-driven world, scammers are targeting everyone, regardless of age.
The Danger is in the Apps The report highlights a significant shift in where fraud is occurring. With peer-to-peer payment apps like Cash App and Venmo becoming ubiquitous—usage jumped to three out of four consumers this year—the risk factor has risen in tandem.
Social media commerce is another growing minefield. Voskuhl noted that nearly 40% of consumers reported experiencing fraud after purchasing items through social media platforms, a noticeable jump from the previous year.
“Consumers also place a lot of unearned trust in social media commerce,” Voskuhl explained. “Only 50% of consumers in the survey correctly identified that social media ads are often untrustworthy.”
Porch Pirates and Tampered Cards The risks aren’t limited to the digital realm. The physical delivery of goods remains a gamble, with 30% of adults reporting they have had a package stolen from their front porch.
Shoppers purchasing gift cards in-store should also be vigilant. One-third of survey respondents reported receiving tampered gift cards. Scammers are increasingly recording card numbers and PINs in the store, waiting for a legitimate customer to activate the card, and then instantly draining the funds.
The Knowledge Gap Perhaps most concerning is the gap in financial safety knowledge. In a test of true-or-false questions regarding safe financial practices, only 27% of respondents could answer seven or more questions correctly. While safer payment methods like credit cards are becoming more common, consumers still lack critical awareness of how to protect themselves.
How to Get Help If you suspect you or someone you know has fallen victim to a holiday scam, you don’t have to navigate it alone. The AARP Fraud Watch Helpline is staffed by volunteers dedicated to helping victims.
Helpline: 877-908-3360 Learn More: Watch the full report on RFD-TV this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Central, or visit aarp.org/aarplive.
