AARP Warns About “Red-Hot Scams to Avoid in 2026”

The cover story of the April/May 2026 AARP Bulletin identifies six “Red-Hot Scams to Avoid in 2026.”

We want to especially bring two of these scams to your attention since we have heard through various government agency reports — and from clients — that several of these are new wrinkles on old tactics that have been used for some time to trick seniors into losing their money or worse.

One such scam is where a company will call you and claim they have recovered lost government or retirement benefits. Another such scam is where they state you are entitled to some sort of recovery as part of a class action lawsuit or other litigation.

The caller often will direct you to a website where you may be tricked into revealing personal data that can later be used to steal your financial identity. Many times, they will also request some sort of upfront fee in order to assist you with recovering your claim.

Protect Yourself

Hang up quickly before they start to draw you in further.

Never pay upfront fees or otherwise give an unknown caller your credit card or bank account information.

Do not respond to time pressure to take immediate action.

Check out the source — not just their website, but other third-party authorities that help confirm the organization or person is authentic.

We highly recommend that, if you are not already an AARP member, you become one and take advantage of a number of their benefits and publications. Check out aarp.org.

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