Omaha City Council Member Aimee Melton Receives AARP Nebraska’s Community Fraud Fighter Award

AARP Nebraska is pleased to announce Omaha City Council Member Aimee Melton as the recipient of its Community Fraud Fighter Award. This prestigious AARP award represents a select, bi-partisan group of elected officials, law enforcement, and other partners across the country who have made significant efforts to prevent fraud.

AARP Nebraska commends Council Member Melton’s leadership and the Omaha City Council’s support in passing Ordinance 44007. This ordinance mandates that any person or business operating or housing a functioning crypto automated teller machine (ATM) or Bitcoin teller machine (BTM) on its premises must post a written warning within readable sight of the machine. This warning informs users of potential fraud or scam risks associated with using the crypto ATM or BTM. These standalone electronic kiosks allow users to buy and sell cryptocurrency in exchange for cash or with a debit card.

“AARP Nebraska thanks Council Member Melton for advancing policies this year to deter fraud and deceptive predatory practices, helping Nebraskans protect their assets,” said Jina Ragland, AARP Nebraska’s Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach.

Nebraskans rely upon federal, state, and local policymakers to safeguard them against fraud, deception, and unfair practices. Ordinance 44007 is a crucial step in further educating consumers, strengthening protections to prevent victimization, and encouraging intervention by institutions capable of stopping fraud.

Scammers steal billions of dollars from unsuspecting consumers every year. The impact on victims and their families is wide-reaching and can be financially and emotionally devastating, especially for older adults. The FBI’s 2023 Cryptocurrency Fraud Report estimates that fraud using cryptocurrency kiosks cost those over 60 nearly $1.3 million, representing a significant majority of the total cryptocurrency theft in 2023.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network™ launched the Community Fraud Fighter Award to honor at least one Community Fraud Fighter in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This nationwide effort highlights the depth and breadth of AARP’s work on fraud prevention and its commitment to addressing fraud and treating victims with dignity and respect. For helpful fraud prevention resources, a scam-tracking map, a toll-free hotline, and more, visit aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork.