AARP

AARP Watchdog Alert - AI Brings a New Twist to Fraud

This is another article from the AARP Watchdog Alert Network.

You can sign up to receive periodic emails from this source.

"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.

Medicare Makes It Easier to Compare Doctors, Health Facilities Online

A streamlined Medicare online tool will make it easier for consumers to compare and choose their providers, including hospitals, doctors, nursing homes and other facilities, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Medicare is consolidating eight separate interactive websites that allow consumers to find providers based on geography, cost, professional experience, government ratings and other factors. Up to now, individual tools have covered doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, home health services, hospice care, inpatient rehabilitation services, long-term care hospitals and dialysis facilities.

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."

Stylish Home Updates That Make Aging Easier

AARP is a great source of information for seniors. One of the major areas of focus has always been on Aging-in-Place.

Check out this recent article that "explains how large and small renovations, stylish updates and space reconfigurations can improve safety and quality of life — allowing you to live more comfortably now and into the future.​"

The Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning from AARP

According to a recent survey, 64 percent of Americans have not made a will.

The phrase "estate planning" may sound like an exercise for the very rich, but thanks to the complicated nature of the U.S. legal system, even people with modest assets need a written document, or will, that specifies how those assets will be distributed upon their death. Yet according to a recent survey by the Harris Poll, 64 percent of Americans have not made a will.

The top reason cited? They "haven't gotten around to it yet." They also fear it will be difficult and expensive, says Lisa Honey, director of product marketing for Rocket Lawyer, the online legal resource that commissioned the survey. Then there's the simple fact that, as Honey puts it, "people don't want to think about death."

HomeFit Guide

A free publication (available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese) featuring smart ways to make a home comfortable, safe and a great fit for older adults — and people of all ages.

This is where you start your Aging-in-Place journey and help protect yourself and family members from unnecessary falls or other injuries.

Can be viewed online, downloaded or ordered as a hardcopy document from AARP.

Smart Ways to Cover the Cost of a Funeral

You probably don’t want to think about it, but at some point, you are going to die and someone's going to have to pay for the funeral.

The attached article from AARP offers some suggestions for covering the costs associated with a cremation/funeral/memorial service.

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.

Sign These Papers!

5 estate planning documents that Suze Orman recommends for every family presented by AARP.

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.

How to Plan a Meaningful Memorial Service

"A 'celebration of life' honors the passing of a loved one in a personalized way."

"Memorial services have become more prevalent as cremation has outpaced traditional burials in the U.S., a trend fueled by boomers’ growing concern about the cost and environmental impact of burials coupled with a fall in religious affiliations."

AARP Veteran Report Newsletter

Sign up for AARP Veteran Report, a free twice-monthly newsletter that salutes military service and celebrates the contributions of military families to our country and our communities.

AARP Veteran Report provides practical help and news you can use, as well as inspring stories twice per month. We’ll also share other occasional emails, including giveaways and special offers.

Information on Planning Your Own Funeral

AARP has published a number of articles on funerals. This article provides information on how to plan for your own funeral in advance.

Help Your Family Plan Your Funeral Far in Advance

Make life easier for your family by gathering information and providing them with your preferences before you die. Notes on what you would like included in your obituary or at your service can make this difficult time much easier for your loved ones.

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.

Tips to Finding a Quality Nursing Home for Your Loved One

Tips from AARP on how to use online tools and in-person visits to assess long-term care facilities. Do your homework in advance before you actually need to select a facility.

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.

Arizona AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Arizona Taxpayers,

Locations for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide sites will begin opening on February 1, 2023, to prepare taxes for the 2022 tax year. Please consult the “Locations” tab on this website to find a Tax-Aide location near you. We look forward to assisting you at any of our Arizona locations.

Geofrey Wolfe
Arizona
State Coordinator

Many of our Tax-Aide locations will be offering traditional In-Person tax assistance this year. Most of our sites will offer appointments and some will reserve space for walk-in taxpayers. Appointments are still recommended, as we cannot guarantee service to every walk-in taxpayer on their day of choice. We appreciate your flexibility when making an appointment, and you will find more information about appointments on the Locations page.

If you have a question or concern, please use the Contact tab to submit a Contact Us form. One of our Arizona Tax-Aide leaders will review your information and respond. If you would like to join our Tax-Aide team of volunteers, please click the Volunteer tab to start the process. We are seeking District and Site Leaders, Technology experts and Instructors as well as tax Counselors.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide continues to place the highest priority on the health and safety of both our volunteers and taxpayers. We ask that if you are not feeling well on the day of your appointment, please reschedule to protect yourself and our volunteers.

NOTE: Be sure to check instructions at this site for each tax year.

AARP Tax-Aide assisted more than 31,000 Arizona residents prepare and file their 2022 tax returns earlier this year.

We look forward to helping even more next tax season.

NOTE: If you need in-person tax preparation help between now and February 1, 2024, you may visit our Prescott location by calling: (928) 277-1560

Please check back to this page in mid-January 2024, for updated information about each of our locations for tax preparation. You are welcome to browse the addresses below of our previous locations. We expect – but can not guarantee – that the majority will return next year.

AARP - Identified SCAMS & FRAUDS Operating at This Time

Learn how to identify common scams and frauds.

10 Early Warning Signs of Dementia You Shouldn’t Ignore (AARP)

How to spot early indicators that your loved one may have Alzheimer’s or dementia​.

"It’s not unusual to have occasional trouble finding the right word or remembering where you put things. But persistent difficulty with memory and the ability to perform everyday tasks might be signs of something more serious."

This AARP article will help you spot some of the early indicators of Alzheimer's or dementia.

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 - Links to Financial Planning Tools and Concepts for Retirement

A collection of excellent articles for those planning for retirement as well as those already in retirement.

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.

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.

10 Common Medicare Mistakes to Avoid

Errors can prove costly to new Medicare enrollees!

Missing deadlines, delaying enrollment or choosing the wrong plan can cost you a bundle when it comes to Medicare. Here’s a list of 10 common mistakes new Medicare enrollees make and how to avoid them, according to the Medicare Rights Center, a nonpartisan, not-for-profit consumer service organization.

What to do When a Loved One Dies

AARP provides a checklist of the tasks that must be considered and completed when a loved one dies.

What I learned from my Mom's Approach to Death

"My mother had been thinking about her own end of life for as long as I can remember. She’d nursed two parents through long, agonizing final chapters, one with cancer and the other with Parkinson’s. Being such a dutiful caregiver forged a determination in her not to end up like her parents. She was almost militant about “not being a burden” to her three girls at the end."

This 2023 article from AARP provides some insight on grief and coping with the end of life.

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.

Your Home Checklist for Aging in Place

Start with small projects and anticipate future needs.