Scam Losses Surge as AG Warns Seniors During Identity Theft Awareness Week

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday
Credit: Commonwealth Media Services

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, on Wednesday, joined AARP to warn older residents about the rising threat of identity theft and fraud, outlining how scammers operated in 2025 and what Pennsylvanians can do to protect themselves.

The presentation, held during Identity Theft Awareness Week, focused on the most common scam types reported last year, the volume of complaints received, and the total financial losses suffered by victims across the state. Older adults were identified as frequent targets, particularly for schemes involving identity theft and financial exploitation.

Sunday detailed how scammers increasingly rely on impersonation, deceptive communications, and stolen personal information to gain access to victims’ finances. He emphasized that scam activity continues to evolve, making awareness and prevention critical, especially for seniors who are often targeted because of perceived financial stability or limited familiarity with rapidly changing technology.

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Representatives from AARP and Director Shallcross joined the discussion, offering practical guidance on how individuals can reduce their risk. The advice included steps to safeguard personal information, recognize warning signs of fraudulent communications, and respond quickly if identity theft is suspected.

State officials and advocacy groups used the event to encourage older Pennsylvanians to stay informed, report suspected scams, and seek assistance early, noting that timely action can limit financial damage and help investigators identify broader fraud patterns.

The event was part of a broader effort during Identity Theft Awareness Week to educate consumers, strengthen prevention strategies, and highlight the ongoing impact of scams on Pennsylvanians statewide.

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