It's the Brian Larry Show on WNYC.

Good morning again, everyone.

In this part of the show today, we're going to talk about scams that may be targeting

you this summer and what you can do about them.

A new Federal Trade Commission report shows Americans lost more than $12 billion to fraud last year,

a 25% increase, they say, from 2023.

And the spite suggests that scammers are operating in ways that outpace law enforcement,

whether it's a text, an email,

a phone call, or even someone approaching you on the street. They say fraud has become more

prevalent and harder to identify. Some claim you owe money for unpaid tolls. Have you gotten that

one? I have. Others offer fake job opportunities or tell you your bank account's been compromised.

The tactics keep evolving, getting smarter, sneakier, and more targeted. So how do you protect

yourself? Which ones are most current? Who do scammers tend to target most? And what can be done

systemically, especially when so many scammers reach you easily, right? By text, by phone

call, or by the web. With us now, Amy Knopfiger, Director of Victim Support at AARP's Fraud Watch

Network. Amy, welcome to WNYC. Hi. Hi, Brian. Thanks for having me. And listeners, help us report this story and help other people

avoid these scammers. Have you been targeted by a scam? Blow the whistle on one you think is going

around? Or maybe you have questions about a message or a call you've received recently. Call or text

us at 212-433. WNYC, 212-433-9-6-9-2, with Amynopsiger from AARP, but obviously not just about

scams targeting seniors.

212-433-9692.

So I see you work with people who've been targeted by scams. What are some of the most

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