Fraud is a multibillion-dollar criminal industry that affects people of every age, background and income level. Every day, increasingly sophisticated transnational crime networks target consumers with new and evolving scams. In the fight against fraud, knowledge is one of the most powerful forms of protection. That’s why AARP is committed to equipping consumers with the latest fraud prevention information, expert guidance and trusted resources. The Perfect Scam, a project of the AARP Fraud Watch Network, is a weekly podcast hosted by award-winning journalist Bob Sullivan. Through compelling real-life stories, expert interviews and practical advice, the podcast seeks to help listeners recognize emerging scams, understand how scammers operate and take steps to protect themselves. The podcast also has the goal of advancing the mission of the AARP Fraud Watch Network by raising awareness of fraud across all demographics, expanding the reach of AARP’s fraud prevention resources, and empowering both AARP members and nonmembers with the knowledge and confidence to avoid becoming victims.
Harnessing the popularity of true-crime storytelling, The Perfect Scam combines compelling narratives with practical information consumers can use to protect themselves. Each week, host Bob Sullivan takes listeners inside real scams through the firsthand accounts of victims and interviews with leading experts who reveal how today’s fraud schemes work. Guests include law enforcement officials on the front lines of fighting fraud, as well as experts in finance, psychology, cybersecurity and consumer protection who help explain why scams succeed and how to avoid engaging with scam artists. The podcast’s weekly format enables AARP to deliver timely insights on emerging threats, evolving scam tactics and actionable prevention strategies. By exploring a wide range of fraud schemes, The Perfect Scam raises awareness of both new and longstanding scams while empowering listeners with the knowledge they need to recognize red flags and stop scams before they start.
Since its launch in 2018, The Perfect Scam has garnered millions of downloads and built a loyal audience that spans generations, reaching both AARP members and nonmembers. Strong listener engagement, enthusiastic social media interaction and ongoing audience feedback demonstrate the podcast’s impact and enduring appeal. Beyond its audience reach, the podcast serves as a powerful gateway to the AARP Fraud Watch Network, driving consumers to the Fraud Watch Network Helpline and AARP’s trusted fraud prevention resources. Each episode equips listeners with timely, reliable information that helps them recognize scams, avoid becoming victims and protect the people they care about.
The impact of this education is measurable: Research shows that when people are aware of a specific scam, they are up to 80 percent less likely to engage with a scammer if they encounter that fraud in real life.
