Governor McKee Declares April Fraud Prevention Month

Published on Friday, April 17, 2026

PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee issued a proclamation declaring April “Fraud Prevention Month” and highlighted the need for Rhode Islanders to be vigilant about scams, especially for older adults. 

"Fraud Prevention Month reminds us that our strongest defense against scams is awareness and education," said Governor McKee. "I want to thank AARP Rhode Island for its ongoing commitment to protecting older Rhode Islanders."

In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission recorded losses of $12.5B due to fraud, but that number may be significantly underreported. The FTC also estimates that nearly 20 percent of those losses were incurred by people aged 60 and older. 

“We thank the Governor for raising critical awareness about how Rhode Islanders can prevent fraud,” said AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor. “Criminals are persistent, and awareness alone won’t stop them. That’s why AARP is active in Rhode Island communities—providing practical tools, trusted guidance, and support so people can better protect themselves and their loved ones. ‘If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.’” 

“Fraud is not just a financial issue; it is a threat to independence, dignity, and trust, especially for older adults. At the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, we see every day how scams can disrupt lives and isolate individuals from the resources they rely on. That’s why we are committed to strengthening awareness, expanding access to trusted information, and working alongside partners like AARP to ensure Rhode Islanders have the tools and support they need to stay safe, connected, and protected," said Maria E, Cimini, MSW, Director of the RI Office of Healthy Aging.

The AARP offers tips to prevent fraud, including protecting financial accounts with strong passwords, verifying online stores by double-checking their URL, and shredding sensitive documents before putting them in the trash. More tips are available at https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/protecting-yourself-from-criminal. 

You can read the proclamation here.