Frauds and Scams

AARP Watchdog Alert - AI Brings a New Twist to Fraud

This is another article from the AARP Watchdog Alert Network.

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"One of the reasons fraud criminals remain relevant is their use of technology. They embrace emerging technologies because they know it’s a new way to steal money and information. These days that is happening in the world of artificial intelligence—commonly known as AI. While this raises the fraud threat to new heights, we can bring our defenses to new heights, too."

Check this link for more information.

AARP Watchdog Alert - Natural Disaster Season Is Here and So Are Scammers

An AARP Watchdog Alert -

AARP Watchdog alerts are emailed to you if you sign up.

"Whether it's tornadoes or floods, wildfires or hurricanes, it seems like it's always natural disaster season—which means it's always a good time for scammers to try and rip people off. Following extreme weather events, dubious contractors and outright scammers descend on affected communities, offering quick, cheap fixes. While some reputable contractors solicit door-to-door, many knockers are running scams. Here's how to be sure you avoid the damage to your wallet these criminals can cause."

Voice Against Fraud, LLC

Everyday, the elderly continue to fall victim to financial predators.

These incidents include various scams, identity theft, and financial exploitation committed by caregivers or family members.

I created Voice Against Fraud, LLC to empower seniors in the fight against fraud, so they will not be victims.

Jennifer Pitt, Founder and Fraud Prevention Consultant provides training, investigation and presentations on scams and fraud and how to avoid them.

Sign Up for the Pinal County Recording Notification Service

"The Pinal County Recording Notification System is a free online service that alerts subscribers when a document is recorded with the Pinal County Recorder’s Office. Users who sign up for the service will receive an email notification when a document is recorded using a name that they are monitoring. A user can list up to 5 name variations."

See the website for more information.

AARP Watchdog Alert - The Perils of Time-Share Resale Offers

Another article from the AARP Watchdog Alert Newtwork

You can sign up to receive these fraud/scam alerts.

"Across the country, thousands of people are looking to unload a time-share property — a process that can be difficult. Enter bad actors who promise they can help. Just last year, the Federal Trade Commission and the State of Wisconsin filed a suit against a group of “time-share exit” companies that collected $90 million for services they never provided. Here’s how to avoid time-share resale traps."

Check this link for more information.

Avoiding Scams and Fraud for Older Adults

"Older adults lose billions of dollars each year to scams and fraud. Get tips to protect yourself and your money. Learn how to spot common scams, keep your money secure, and report financial fraud if you suspect you’re a victim."

This National Council on Aging (NCOA) website has a number of informative articles regarding scam and fraud pitfalls to be avoided. Check the website out for more information.

The Latest Scams You Need to Be Aware of in 2023

"Scammers continue to prove that there's no rest for the wicked. While their goals—to get your personal information and money—remain the same year in and year out, their strategies constantly change with the times. Fraudsters know people are most vulnerable when they're desperate or scared, and they may use crises and pressure tactics to prey on their victims.

As in previous years, many of the latest scams in 2023 are twists on existing scams, and the measures that have protected you for years can still apply. However, watch out for a few new types of attacks."

This November 2022 article written by the financial protection firm Experian gives you their take on how not to be taken.

Text Message Scams: How to Identify, Report, and Help Protect Yourself

"Many of us rely on text messaging for updates from our financial institution, pharmacy, and other trusted sources. But amidst all the familiar exchanges, you may see texts from unknown senders. Unfortunately, these mystery messages could be from scammers who are out to solicit payments, steal your personal information, or gain access to your bank account. According to a recent report, criminals sent 225.7 billion spam texts in 2022, a 157% increase from 2021."

Check the website for more information on text scams in this July2023 article from the National Council on Aging (NCOA).

14 Top Scams to Watch Out for in 2023

Scammers are like viruses: They continually evolve in response to the latest news and trends, using them for new ways to separate us from our cash.

These criminals “are so adaptable, they’re going to just follow the headlines,” says Amy Nofziger, director of fraud victim support for AARP.

AARP Watchdog Alert - Don't Lose Money To Weight Loss Scams

Another article in the AARP Watchdog Alert series on the AARP Fraud Network. You can subscribe to this email series and stay up to date on the latest frauds and scams.

"Summer has finally arrived, but the beginning of beach season inevitably brings weight loss scams with it. Criminals take advantage of the season to offer bogus solutions for losing weight or getting in shape."

Check this link for more information.

Bank Impersonation Is the Most Common Text Scam: What You Need to Know

It can be hard to tell whether you’re being contacted by your bank or a criminal.

"Last year, Pittsburgh resident Molly Sinclair, 54, suddenly received ominous-sounding messages from two local banks where she’s a customer. One warned her that her account had been locked because of unusual activity and instructed her to click a link in order to verify the transaction. The other simply said that her account was locked and gave her a phone number to call."

This August 2023 article from AARP focuses on bank scams. This is one of the most common scams that we face. I've had this one attempted on my account . . . very slick. They count on your relationship and trust of your bank to relax your scam radar! Kind of ironical! Check this out to help protect yourself.

AARP Watchdog Alert - Navigating the Gift Card Minefield

Another alert from the AARP Watchdog Alert system. You can subscribe to receive this useful information.

"Gift cards have become a standard part of the modern shopping experience. But inside that colorful card kiosk could be a minefield. Here’s what you need to know before purchasing one.Gift card sales rose from $130 billion in 2015 to $173 billion in 2021, and while they are popular with consumers, they are also popular with criminals because they can be purchased anonymously and redeemed remotely.There are two typical scams involving gift cards: someone buys a gift card only to later find that it has no balance on it; and someone is instructed to purchase gift cards and share the numbers as a form of payment."

Check this link for more useful information.

Title Theft Protection

Are you afraid of having your property title stolen? Here's a no cost solution to help protect your title without signing up for a commercial service.

Did you know that you can register for a notification service from your local county recorder's office if someone tries to register a transaction using your name? The service that you are requesting is a Consumer Notification Service.

The Pinal County Recording Notification System is a free online service that alerts subscribers when a document is recorded with the Pinal County Recorder’s Office. Users who sign up for the service will receive an email notification when a document is recorded using a name that they are monitoring. A user can list up to 5 name variations.

The link below is for the Pinal County Recorder's Office. A similar service is provided by the Maricopa County Recorder's Office. See the Notes Section for the Maricopa County link.

AARP - Identified SCAMS & FRAUDS Operating at This Time

Learn how to identify common scams and frauds.

AARP Watchdog Alert - Student Loan News Brings Student Loan Scams

Another useful alert from the AARP Watchdog Alert System. You can subscribe to receive these useful alerts.

"If there is one constant in the criminal world, it's that scammers follow the news. Student loan forgiveness has been the focus of recent headlines, which has given scammers room for fraud related to student loans. Read on for tips to avoid the traps."

Check this link for additional information.

Fraud Watch Network

Knowledge gives you power over scams. The AARP Fraud Watch NetworkTM equips you with reliable, up-to-date insights, alerts and fraud prevention resources to help you spot and avoid scams and protect your loved ones. We even cover the latest scams in the news.

Find Support

If you've been targeted by scams or fraud, you are not alone. Our trained fraud specialists provide support and guidance on what to do next and how to avoid scams in the future. The AARP Fraud Helpline, 877-908-3360, is free and available to anyone. We also offer online support sessions for further emotional support.

AARP Watchdog Alert - Fraud Continues Meteoric Rise

Another email alert from the AARP Watchdog Alert system. You can subscribe to this service.

"The numbers are in, and they aren't good. The Federal Trade Commission has issued its data book on fraud reports for 2022. U.S. consumers reported $9 billion in fraud losses, compared to $6.1 billion the year prior. Because fraud often goes unreported, this report only shows the tip of the iceberg. Even so, it provides important insights into certain threats everyone should be aware of."

Check this link for more information.

AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360

Our toll-free service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET

AARP’s Fraud Watch NetworkTM Helpline is a free resource for AARP members and nonmembers alike. Trained fraud specialists and volunteers field thousands of calls each month. Get guidance you can trust, free of judgment.

What to Know About Identity Theft

"Learn what identity theft is, how to protect yourself against it, and how to know if someone stole your identity."

"What Is Identity Theft?

"Identity theft is when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission.

They might steal your name and address, credit card, or bank account numbers, Social Security number, or medical insurance account numbers."

Get more information from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on what identity theft is and how to deal with it.

AARP Watchdog Alert - Stop Summer Sales Solicitations

More from the AARP Watchdog Alert Network

You can sign up to receive these helpful alerts.

"Summer is officially here, which means door-to-door sales crews are, too. But buyers beware—what they’re selling isn’t always legit. Read on for red flags and guidance on how to deal with the doorbell ringers of summer."

Check this link for more information.

How To Recognize and Protect Yourself from Scams

"Scammers are always trying to con victims out of their information and money. They are, unfortunately, often successful. Scammers are expert impersonators, using sophisticated technology and their best acting skills to convince you they represent a business, institution or government agency you may trust. They also tend to prey on the most susceptible victims, including those who are down on their luck or are exceptionally naïve and trusting."

"Above all, remember the golden rule of scams: If it’s too good to be true, it’s probably a scam."

This July 2023 article from Pinal County Federal Credit Union offers a concise overview of types of scams that we face every day and some excellent tips on how to avoid being a victim. Check out this link.

AARP Watchdog Alert - Fight Back Against Elder Financial Fraud

Another email from the AAPR Watchdog Alert system. You can subscribe to receive this helpful information.

"Experts estimate that more than 369,000 incidents of financial abuse targeting older adults are reported to authorities in the U.S. each year, causing an estimated $4.8 billion in losses. And those numbers probably understate the problem by a considerable amount. However, as we approach World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th, it's good to remember that there are things we can do to help prevent elder financial exploitation."

Check this link for more information.

Identity Theft - What to know, what to do

"IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government’s one-stop resource for identity theft victims. The site provides streamlined checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process."

Check out this website if you have suffered identity theft.

From HelpGuide.org - Scam and Fraud Support

HelpGuide.org is an independent nonprofit that runs one of the world’s leading mental health websites. Each month, millions of people from all around the world turn to us for trustworthy guidance they can use to strengthen their mental health and well-being, navigate challenges, and make healthy changes in their lives.

Elder fraud cost Americans over the age of 60 more than $966 million in 2020, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Here and in other countries, it's a growing problem as criminals increasingly use online scams to target older adults, especially those who are living alone.

Scams and fraud can have an obvious effect on finances. You might lose money you were saving for retirement, planning to pass down to family members, or using for daily needs like paying bills or grocery purchases. Those financial losses can reduce your sense of well-being and lead to issues such as insomnia, loss of appetite, depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties.

Regardless of how much money you lose, simply being targeted by scammers can also affect your mental health and change the way you see the world. You might feel shocked, hurt, and even traumatized if someone you trusted defrauded you.