Scams Drain $47,000 an Hour from Older New Yorkers; AARP New York Helps Freeport Residents Protect Their Finances
New York, NY – Fraud and identity theft continue to pose a growing threat to older New Yorkers, with New Yorkers age 60 and older lost $408 million to scams last year, a $151 million increase from the year before, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, nearly $47,000 every hour.
New York residents reported 128,928 fraud complaints and $733.2 million in losses in 2025, according to the Federal Trade Commission. And the top fraud committed was imposter scams, the agency said. New research from AARP underscores the scale of the problem. Nearly four in ten U.S. adults, about 103 million people, have already experienced fraud; roughly 159 million worry about becoming victims.
The AARP report also highlights risky behaviors that can expose consumers to fraud, including answering unsolicited calls or texts, reusing passwords, downloading free apps, and limited use of multifactor authentication. Nine in ten Americans agree that fraud can happen to anyone — reinforcing the need for prevention efforts that combine awareness, education, and practical tools to keep New Yorkers safe.
“Too often, financial exploitation begins with information that should never fall into the wrong hands,” said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. “Safely disposing of documents with personal or financial details is a simple but powerful step people can take to protect themselves and their families, particularly older New Yorkers who are being targeted and losing money at alarming rates.”
While high‑tech scams dominate headlines, experts warn that low‑tech fraud remains a serious risk, with thieves still stealing sensitive information from trash and recycling to commit identity theft.
To help address the threat, AARP New York today hosted The Big Shred NY! at the Freeport Recreation Center in Freeport, giving residents a secure way to destroy sensitive documents. The event is part of AARP New York’s long‑running statewide shredding initiative, now in its 12th year, with more than two dozen communities participating in 2026.
The next event in Nassau County is scheduled for May 2 at the Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park.
Rep. Laura Gillen (NY-4) said, “Thousands of older adults on Long Island are victims of identity theft and financial scams every year. I’m grateful to partner with AARP New York to raise awareness and advocate for their members with events like today’s Big Shred in Freeport. It is a great opportunity to share tools and information that safeguard our friends and neighbors from a tragedy that could rob them of their life savings or worse. I’ll continue working to protect Long Islanders’ hard-earned savings and give law enforcement the tools to crack down on scammers.”
Nassau County Legislator, Debra Mulé said, “Each year the Big Shred NY initiative empowers families across the state and right here in Nassau County to dispose of their sensitive documents in an eco-friendly, secure manner. I’m proud to support an event that protects our planet and prevents identity theft, and I thank AARP New York for once again bringing this vital program to the greater Freeport community.”
In addition to providing information and shredding events, AARP New York advocates for legislation to strengthen laws that will protect people over 60 from financial exploitation and hosts local year-round workshops.
Shredding events are held outdoors; some are walk-up, and some are drive-thru. Those wishing to attend the shredding events must limit materials to three bags. The events conclude when the on-site trucks are full, but the sites may close early if trucks fill up. Paper only and no magazines, newspapers, books, or cardboard. Shredding services are free and open to the public. Visit aarp.org/NYStopScams for exact dates, times and locations.
The shredding events are being conducted with support from the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the AARP Foundation.
More information on how to keep yourself safe from identity theft fraud, and alerts regarding other types of scams, is available from the Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork. AARP launched the Fraud Watch Network to arm Americans with proven tools to fight back against identity theft and scams. The AARP Fraud Watch Network equips people with reliable, up-to-date insights, and a free Fraud Network Helpline is available to help you and your loved ones.
Connect with AARP New York on X: @AARPNY and Facebook: AARP New York
Fron left to right: Bernard Macias, Senior Associate State Director for Community Engagement, Congresswoman Laura Gillen and AARP New York State Director, Beth Finkel during The Big Shred NY! event at the Freeport Recreation Center in Freeport. Hundreds of residents took advantage of the drive-thru shredding event on April 24, 2026. The next shredding event in Nassau County is scheduled for May 2 at the Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park.
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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.
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Shredding services will be performed by a third party. All documents and information provided for shredding are subject to that party’s privacy and informational security policies.
