AARP events will help fight fraud throughout the month

Free document shredding, a telephone town hall on fraud prevention, and webinars on online safety and artificial intelligence are aimed at helping internet users fight fraud.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers in Hawaiʻi reported $63.7 million stolen by fraud in 2024, with the most common scams involving impostor scams, online shopping scams, fake negative reviews, and investment fraud.

To arm consumers with information to combat fraud and use the internet safely, AARP Hawaiʻi is holding three events in April, which is AARP Fraud Prevention Month.

Fraud experts will share tips and answer questions about cryptocurrency and other frauds during a Fight Fraud Telephone Town Hall from 9 to 10 a.m. on April 11.

Hilo is one of three cities hosting a document shredding and food drive from 8 to 11 a.m. on April 18. The free event will take place at the Kamana Senior Center in Hilo, and registration can be completed online.

Senior Planet from AARP will host two webinars on managing online privacy and recognizing misinformation online, including “Be Smarter and Safer Online,” beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, and Tuesday, April 28.

In addition to educational events, AARP Hawaiʻi is also advocating for legislation to provide consumer safeguards for cryptocurrency kiosks, which are used by criminals as a payment method in scams. Senate Bill 2387 and House Bill 2003 are both advancing in the legislature.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides free tools and support to help people spot and avoid fraud. To find local events or learn more about AARP Fraud Prevention Month, visit the AARP Hawaiʻi website.