When scammers target older Americans, they often exploit the trust people place in well-known organizations like AARP. Each year, thousands of seniors report being contacted by fake “AARP representatives” promising free memberships, prize winnings, or Medicare discounts that don’t exist. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), impostor scams now rank among the top three fraud categories for adults over 60. Recognizing the signs early can protect not only your money but also your personal identity. Here are seven red flags that suggest an “AARP offer” might actually be a con.
1. Unsolicited Calls Claiming to Be From AARP
AARP will never cold-call members asking for payment or personal details. Yet scammers routinely impersonate AARP to sell fake insurance or demand renewal fees. The AARP Fraud Watch Network confirms that legitimate representatives communicate mainly through mail or secure email—not surprise phone calls. If you get a call pressuring you for immediate payment, hang up. Contact AARP directly at 1-877-908-3360 to verify whether the outreach was real.
2. Emails or Texts With Suspicious Links
Fake renewal notices or “urgent” messages often contain links that lead to cloned AARP websites. These phishing scams aim to steal login credentials or credit card numbers. Avoid clicking on any link unless they personally initiated the contact. Always check the sender’s address—it should end with “@aarp.org.” If the email feels off, go directly to AARP’s official website by typing the URL manually instead of clicking any embedded link.
3. Fake Sweepstakes or “Senior Benefit” Calls
Another common trick involves scam calls claiming you’ve “won an AARP giveaway” or qualify for “exclusive senior benefits.” AARP runs legitimate programs and discounts, but it does not contact winners out of the blue or ask for processing fees. Scammers often request a “small deposit” or “verification payment” before releasing the supposed prize. No legitimate organization asks you to pay to claim something you’ve already won.
4. Requests for Gift Cards or Cryptocurrency
If a caller claiming to represent AARP requests payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, it’s a scam—period. Legitimate institutions never request unconventional forms of payment. Gift cards are untraceable and irreversible once used, which makes them a favorite tool for fraudsters. AARP itself urges members to report such incidents to its Fraud Watch Network to help protect others.
5. Social Media Impersonation Accounts
Scammers also use fake AARP Facebook or Instagram pages to spread misinformation or collect data. These pages often mimic official branding but lack the verified checkmark. Always confirm that the social media page is verified or linked from AARP’s official site before engaging with it.
6. “Urgent Medicare Discounts” or Policy Upgrades
AARP does partner with insurance providers, but it does not personally contact members to sell or upgrade plans. Fraudsters often use Medicare’s open enrollment season to trick seniors into sharing Social Security or Medicare ID numbers. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) warns that real representatives never pressure you to make decisions on the spot. If someone claims to be “from AARP Medicare Services” and demands immediate verification, hang up and report it.
7. Emotional Pressure or Fear Tactics
Scammers often use fear to rush victims—claiming accounts will be canceled, benefits lost, or memberships revoked. The FTC emphasizes that legitimate organizations give you time to review information calmly. If someone demands instant payment or threatens consequences for not complying, that’s a major red flag. AARP encourages members to take a pause, talk to a trusted family member, and verify before acting.
Protecting Yourself From AARP-Impersonation Scams
Education remains the best defense against fraud. Always initiate contact with AARP directly and ignore unsolicited requests for information or money. Keep your membership documents in a secure location and avoid sharing details on social media. Sign up for the AARP Fraud Watch Network alerts to stay informed about the latest scams targeting seniors. Remember: real organizations respect your time, privacy, and caution.
Have you or someone you know been targeted by a scam pretending to be from AARP? Share your experience in the comments—it might help someone avoid becoming a victim.
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