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PORTLAND, ME – Fraud continues to threaten families across the country — and here in the Pine Tree State, the impact is real.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, Maine consumers reported $15.9 million lost to fraud between January and September 2025. The most common schemes included imposter scams, investment scams and online scams including employment scams.
Fraud is a clearly critical issue that affects everyone and AARP is taking action this April during Fraud Prevention Month by bringing free in-person and virtual events, and fraud-prevention resources directly to Mainers.
Free Local Events in Maine
• The Scamdemic Up Close – in Person at USM Portland, or virtually via Zoom
April 23 | Starts at 9AM with multiple morning sessions available
(In person is at USM Portland, Hannaford Hall, 88 Bedford Street, Portland, ME with free breakfast and parking)
At this eye-opening event, national speaker, Erin West, breaks down how older adults are targeted by scammers with shocking precision, and how to stay safe. Includes panel forum moderated by Maine Attorney General, Aaron Frey.
***Media interview opportunity
Learn More and Register Here: www.aarp.org/maine/scamdemic26
• Free Shred Event: Bangor
April 24 | 9 am – 1 pm | Bangor Airport Mall on Union Street, Bangor, ME
Mainers can safely dispose of their sensitive documents such as old tax returns, bank statements, health documents and more at our free shred event. Volunteers are available to assist and all documents are shredded on site. Limit of 4 large bags/boxes per person. No electronics, but no need to remove paperclips or staples from documents.
Register Here: https://events.aarp.org/shredbangor26
AARP Advocacy: Protecting Consumers in Maine
In addition to in-person and virtual events, AARP Maine advocates for policy solutions to protect consumers from fraud, including crypto kiosk scams — one of the fastest-growing scam tactics in the country. In addition, AARP Maine pushed for passage of the 2025 “Stop and Hold” law, increasing the safety of banking transactions.
Why This Matters: Fraud Prevention Month helps ensure that every Mainer has access to reliable information and trusted resources.
• Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to target unsuspecting consumers. While adults 50-plus are frequently targeted, fraud affects every generation.
• AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all to help you proactively spot scams, get guidance from our fraud specialists if you’ve been targeted and feel more secure knowing that we advocate at the federal, state, and local levels to protect consumers and enforce the law.
“Fraud prevention is about action,” said AARP Maine Senior Communications Director, Jane Margesson. “When AARP shows up in communities with trusted tools and local events, we’re helping neighbors protect themselves and each other.”
Mainers Are Encouraged to Take Action:
• Attend our ongoing local events, in person or virtually. Share what you learn with friends and family. Protect yourself — and your community. Learn more: aarp.org/MEFightsFraud
• Join the fight against fraud—from anywhere. Become an AARP Digital Fraud Fighter and help your friends and family spot and avoid scams.
• AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline: Get guidance from trained fraud specialists: Call 877-908-3360 Monday–Friday, 8 am–8 pm ET.
• Subscribe to Watchdog Alerts: Stay on top of the latest scams by subscribing to AARP’s free bi-weekly newsletter by email and text.
• AARP Scam-Tracking Map: See scams occurring near you or report one if you’ve been targeted.
• E-Learning — Effective Ways to Protect Yourself From Scams: This free course explains how to spot warning signs, disengage from scammers and take action if you’re a target.
• Reguest a local scam awareness speaker for your group: Visit AARP Maine at our website to learn more.
