In this episode, Dave Zaegel interviews Kathy Stokes, the Director of Fraud Prevention Programs at AARP. They discuss the need for public policy change to address fraud as a crime and the importance of treating it as a public health crisis. They also highlight the role of education in preventing fraud and the need for increased awareness and training in law enforcement. Kathy shares insights into the demographics of fraud victims and the tactics used by scammers. She emphasizes the importance of disengaging from scammers and provides resources available through the AARP Fraud Watch Network.   Helpline: 877-908-3360   website: aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork   Takeaways Fraud should be treated as a crime and a public health crisis, requiring a whole-of-society response. Education and awareness are crucial in preventing fraud, and knowing about specific scams can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim. Law enforcement needs better training and resources to effectively investigate and prosecute fraud cases. Victims of fraud should not be blamed, and support systems should be in place to help them recover and prevent further victimization. Public policy changes are necessary to address the evolving tactics of fraudsters and protect vulnerable individuals. Chapters