AARP Hosts Free Workshops to Combat Senior Scams in Las Vegas

The organization aims to educate retirees on common fraud tactics and how to protect themselves.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:49pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred figures in a warm, inviting setting, conveying a sense of community and education around the topic of senior scams.AARP's free fraud prevention workshops aim to equip Las Vegas retirees with the knowledge to avoid becoming victims of financial exploitation.Las Vegas Today

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is hosting a series of free workshops throughout the Las Vegas valley during April to help senior citizens detect and report scams. According to the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline, at least 239 victims reported fraud and scams in Nevada during 2025, resulting in over $3.1 million in losses. The workshops focus on educating attendees on common scams like identity theft, imposter scams, and sweepstakes fraud.

Why it matters

Seniors are often targeted by scammers due to their accumulated wealth and perceived vulnerability. The AARP workshops aim to empower Las Vegas retirees with the knowledge to avoid falling victim to fraud, which has become an increasing problem in Nevada as the state sees a rise in cryptocurrency kiosks that lack consumer protections.

The details

The AARP is hosting eight free workshops across the Las Vegas area in April to teach seniors how to detect and report scams. At a recent event at Rainbow Library, over 36 people attended as AARP volunteers presented information on common fraud tactics. The workshops include interactive elements to help participants understand what it feels like to be in a scam situation. AARP volunteer Renee Newry said the organization is also working with state legislators to address the rise of cryptocurrency kiosks, which they see as a growing threat to consumer protection.

  • The AARP workshops are taking place throughout April 2026 in the Las Vegas valley.
  • The organization reported around 100,000 fraud cases nationally to the Federal Trade Commission.

The players

AARP

The American Association of Retired Persons is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for the rights and well-being of Americans aged 50 and older.

Renee Newry

An AARP volunteer who presented information on scam detection and prevention at the workshops.

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What they’re saying

“'AARP is working throughout the state to help prevent fraud. For example, working with legislation to help with cryptocurrency right now. That's a hot topic.'”

— Renee Newry, AARP Volunteer

“'It's so important to educate people on fraud. It's something that happens in a moment. And you know maybe they're trying to rush us through an event, or you know something happens to our computer. And so often we react. And we're teaching people to just stop and think about what's happening, not to react. Because that's what the scammers are counting on.'”

— Renee Newry, AARP Volunteer

What’s next

The AARP plans to continue hosting free fraud prevention workshops throughout the Las Vegas valley in the coming months to reach more senior citizens.

The takeaway

The AARP's efforts to educate Las Vegas retirees on common scams and empower them to avoid becoming victims highlights the growing need to protect vulnerable populations from financial exploitation, especially as emerging technologies like cryptocurrency introduce new avenues for fraud.