AARP accepts story ideas and news tips through its online submission form and direct email to specific departments

AARP does not publish reader-submitted articles as bylined pieces, but it does accept tips about newsworthy events, scams, policy changes, and stories affecting older adults. The organization uses reader input to inform its journalism, investigations, and advocacy work. Submissions go to different departments depending on what you want to report: news tips go to the AARP newsroom, scam reports go to the fraud team, and policy concerns go to the relevant advocacy office.

The fastest route is AARP's online tip form, which routes your submission to the right department automatically. You can also email directly if you have a specific contact or prefer not to use a form. Response time varies—urgent fraud reports may be reviewed within hours, while general news tips may take weeks or longer to receive acknowledgment.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP's online tip submission form at aarp.org/tips is the primary way to submit news stories, scam reports, and policy concerns.
  • You do not need to be an AARP member to submit a tip, and submissions are reviewed by journalists and researchers, not automated systems.
  • Scam reports and fraud tips are routed to AARP's fraud watch network and may be used in public warnings or investigations.
  • If you have contact information for a specific AARP journalist or department, you can email directly, though the online form ensures your submission reaches the right person.

Using AARP's Online Tip Submission Form

AARP maintains a dedicated tip form on its website where you can describe what you want to report. The form asks for your name, email address, phone number (optional), and a description of your tip or story idea. You can also attach documents, photos, or links to supporting material. The form does not require you to be an AARP member.

When you submit through the form, it is routed based on the category you select—news tip, scam report, policy concern, or other. This routing ensures your submission reaches the department most likely to act on it. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this number if you need to follow up later.

The form is designed to handle sensitive information, including reports of elder fraud, financial abuse, or exploitation. If your tip involves when ready danger or a crime in progress, contact local law enforcement first rather than submitting through AARP.

Submitting Scam and Fraud Reports

AARP's Fraud Watch Network specifically monitors scams targeting older adults and uses reader reports to identify patterns and warn the public. Common reports include phone scams, online romance fraud, fake lottery winnings, imposter scams claiming to be from Social Security or Medicare, and investment schemes.

When you report a scam, include as much detail as possible: how you were contacted (phone, email, text, social media), what the scammer claimed, what information or money you lost (if any), and any names, phone numbers, email addresses, or website URLs involved. If you have recordings, screenshots, or written correspondence, attach those too. AARP uses this information to track emerging fraud trends and may contact you for more details if your report matches an active investigation.

Scam reports submitted through AARP do not automatically trigger a police investigation, but AARP may share patterns with law enforcement agencies or issue public alerts. If you have already lost money or personal information, you should also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and contact your bank or credit card company when ready.

Reaching AARP Journalists and Specific Departments

If you know which AARP journalist or department you want to contact, you can email directly. AARP's main newsroom email is typically listed on its website, and many individual reporters have public email addresses. You can also find contact information for AARP's state offices and advocacy teams if your tip relates to a specific state policy or issue.

When emailing directly, include a clear subject line that describes your tip (for example, "Tip: New Medicare scam targeting [state]" or "Story idea: Local senior center closure"). Keep your message concise in the first paragraph—journalists receive many emails and are more likely to read a submission that gets to the point quickly. Provide your contact information and let them know if your story is time-sensitive.

Response times vary widely. Breaking news tips may receive a reply within hours. General story ideas or policy concerns may take weeks to receive acknowledgment, or may not receive a response at all if AARP is not pursuing that angle. If you do not hear back within two weeks and your tip is time-sensitive, a follow-up email is reasonable.

What Happens After You Submit

After submission, your tip enters AARP's editorial workflow. A journalist or researcher reviews it to determine whether it fits AARP's coverage priorities, whether it is newsworthy or actionable, and whether it requires follow-up reporting. This review process can take days or weeks depending on the volume of submissions and the urgency of the tip.

If AARP decides to pursue your tip, a reporter or researcher may contact you for more information, to verify details, or to request an interview. You are not obligated to participate further, but your cooperation can help AARP report the story accurately. If your tip leads to a published story, AARP will not pay you for the information, but you may be quoted or credited depending on your preference and the nature of the story.

If AARP does not pursue your tip, you will typically not receive notification. This does not mean your submission was ignored—it may mean the story does not fit current coverage plans, the information is not verifiable, or AARP is already reporting on a similar issue. You can submit the same tip to other news outlets, local journalists, or advocacy organizations if you believe it is important.

Tips for a Stronger Submission

Journalists are more likely to act on tips that include specific details, named sources, and verifiable information. Instead of "I heard there's a new scam," describe exactly how the scam works, who contacted you, what they said, and what happened. Instead of "Medicare is confusing," describe a specific policy change, a specific person's experience navigating it, or a specific gap in how the program works.

If you are reporting on a local issue—a senior center closure, a new state regulation, a local fraud ring—include the names of the people and organizations involved, the dates things happened, and any public records or news coverage that already exists. This gives AARP's journalists a starting point for their own reporting.

If you are a source with direct experience—you fell for a scam, you navigated a confusing benefit program, you lost your home—be clear about that. Journalists value firsthand accounts. You can also indicate whether you are willing to be quoted by name, quoted anonymously, or only used as background information to guide reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to submit a tip?

No. AARP accepts tips from anyone, member or not. You do not need to log in or create an account to use the tip submission form. Your membership status does not affect whether your submission is reviewed or acted upon.

Will AARP pay me for a story tip or information I provide?

No. AARP does not pay for tips, story ideas, or information submitted by readers. If your tip leads to a published story and you are interviewed as a source, you will not be compensated for your participation, though you may be credited or quoted depending on the story.

What if I want to write an article for AARP myself?

AARP occasionally publishes guest columns and contributed pieces, but these are typically solicited from experts, advocates, or people with specific credentials or experience. You can inquire about guest writing opportunities by contacting AARP's editorial department directly, but unsolicited article submissions are not typically reviewed for publication.

How long does it take AARP to respond to a tip?

Response time varies. Urgent fraud reports or breaking news tips may be reviewed within hours or days. General story ideas, policy concerns, or tips that require additional reporting may take weeks or longer, or may not receive a response if AARP is not pursuing that angle. If your tip is time-sensitive, note that in your submission.

Can I submit a tip anonymously?

The tip form asks for your name and email address, but you can use a pseudonym or generic email address if you prefer not to be identified. However, providing real contact information makes it easier for AARP to follow up with you if they need clarification or additional details. If you are reporting a crime or fraud, law enforcement may eventually need to contact you directly.