AAPIs age 50-plus have been targets of fraud (themselves or a family member)

have been victimized by fraud

of fraud victims had an emotional or health impact

33% of victims lost money, $15K lost on average

FACING FRAUD

Anger Stress orAnxiety

Fear orParanoia

of AAPI adults are confident in spotting fraudulent offers

Yet, the majority scored 50% or less on a fraud knowledge quiz

Specific Symptoms Caused by Fraud:

Majority of Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders at Risk for Fraud

Shame orEmbarrassment

Loss of Confidence

Depression

22% 19% 15%

61% 23%40%

It is important to report it.

Understand you are not alone and everyone is at risk; never let this moment define your life.

Rechannel those feelings of anger, shame, or embarrassment into action.

Volunteer to help educate others about fraud by sharing tips with your family and friends.

Always verify and research any organization before sending any money.

If a charity claims to be an affiliate, contact the main organization to confirm.

Government agencies such as the IRS and courts will only notify you through direct mail, never through phone calls or emails.

Be wary of suspicious emails, and never reply back or click on any links.

Be aware that people can pose as psychics or fortune tellers, using superstition to scare you.

If you did not enter or participate in any contest, you did not win anything.

Only work with people who are authorized by the government to help you.

Research offers and deals to see if they are listed on scam watch websites.

Foreign Lottery

Charitable Donations

Virus Tech-Support

IRS Back Taxes

Phishing

Fraud by Family/Friends

Gold

Immigration Help

Blessings

Missed Jury Duty Fines

36%

33%

32%

24%

20%

1:

2:

3:

4:

5:

6:

7:

8:

9%

9%

7%

6%

5%

victims did not tell anyone or report the fraud

have experienced identity theft

had unauthorized credit card charges

Be On The Lookout For These ScamsCommon scams experienced within the AAPI community

Protect YourselfNever leave personal and financial information out in the open.

Keep these 8 helpful tips in mind If you have been a victim of fraud

If family or friends are victims

Keep lines of communication open and ask questions, provide guidance and support.

Listen with an empathetic ear to your loved one, do not yell or talk down to them, they already feel bad enough.

Scammers often use emotional hooks. Focus the anger on the scam and the perpetrator, not the victim.

Report fraud to the AARP Fraud Helpline and our trained volunteers can assist you, 1-877-908-3360. Language assistance available.

Source: Facing Fraud. A Survey of AAPIs Age 50-plus on Fraud and Scams, January 2018 (www.aarp.org/AAPIfraudsurvey), https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00183.002

Contact: Angela Houghton, AARP Research, ahoughton@aarp.org