New AARP Series Exposes FBI Impostor Scams

Fraudsters are getting bolder — and more believable — by the day. If someone claiming to be from the FBI called you, would you question it? For many seniors, the answer is no. That’s why scammers posing as federal agents are targeting older Americans with elaborate lies designed to steal their savings and destroy their peace of mind.

AARP’s new docuseries, Fraud Wars: The Battle to Protect America’s Seniors, exposes how these scams work, who’s behind them, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones. One episode dives deep into the terrifyingly common “FBI impostor” scam — and it’s a must-watch.

We strongly encourage you to check out this new AARP series. Whether you watch the videos or listen to the audio versions, the lessons could save you or someone you love from financial ruin.

Here’s what you need to know — and how you can fight back.

The FBI Isn’t Calling You — It’s a Scam

The scam usually starts with a call from someone claiming to be an FBI agent. They may use a real agent’s name. They may spoof a legitimate-looking number. They may even provide a badge number or case number to sound official. But it’s all a lie.

The fraudster will say your bank account is compromised or your Social Security number was used in a crime. They’ll urge you to move your money to a “safe account” while they investigate. In reality, that “safe account” is theirs.

Other scammers will ask you to buy gift cards and read the numbers over the phone, wire funds through cryptocurrency, or make cash drops at random addresses. Victims often comply — not because they’re gullible, but because they’re scared.

Why Seniors Are Targeted

Seniors are targeted for a reason. Scammers know that older adults:

• May live alone and be more likely to answer unknown phone calls;
• Tend to trust authority figures;
• Often have retirement savings and home equity;
• May be unfamiliar with new types of fraud, like crypto scams;

In our work with older adults and their families, we’ve seen how fast a scam can unravel someone’s financial security. That’s why we’ve written about scams such as: 

• The "grandparent scam", where a caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble;
• The Medicare fraud scam, in which callers claim to need your Medicare number to send a new card;
• The IRS scam, where scammers threaten arrest over unpaid taxes;
• And romance scams preying on lonely seniors through online relationships

You can find those and other articles on our blog at farrlawfirm.com/blog — just search for “scam” to see our full archive.

How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones

Here are key reminders you should never forget:

• No government agency will ever call and ask you to move money;
• No real FBI agent or other government employee will ever ask for payment in gift cards, crypto, or cash; 
• Never give out your Social Security number, bank information, or passwords to an unsolicited caller;
• If it feels wrong, it probably is. Hang up and report it. You can file a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and notify your local police.

Don’t Just Read About It — Watch Fraud Wars

AARP’s new Fraud Wars series brings these stories to life with real voices and real victims. The FBI impostor episode is especially chilling — and incredibly important.

You can find the full series at aarp.org/fraud-wars. Whether you prefer to watch or listen, it’s one of the most informative tools out there for preventing elder fraud.

We urge you to watch it with your loved ones — especially older family members — and talk about what you’ve learned. It could make all the difference.

Stay proactive. Stay prepared. Stay healthy.