Richmond, VA

Change City

---

• Back to News Feed

AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams

Posted on 01/01/25

Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true.

Scammers often exploit financial stress by promising instant relief or quick results to become debt-free. These schemes typically involve up-front fees, bad advice like avoiding your creditors, or vague claims about what services they actually provide.

Before committing to a debt relief service and providing your sensitive personal information, research reviews and check for complaints with organizations like the Better Business Bureau to ensure their credibility. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the Nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the AARP Virginia page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

AARP Events for Richmond

AARP Events for Richmond

• Featured Event

  Magical, Not Magic: The Joy of Reiki

  Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. ET

  Zoom

  Online Event

• Featured Event

  The Theater Awaits: Discover the Magic of Community Theater

  Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. ET

  Zoom

  Online Event

• Featured Event

  Intro to Smartphone Photography

  Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET

  Zoom

  Online Event

View All AARP Events

Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal

• Immediate access to your member benefits
• Discounts on travel and everyday savings
• Subscription to AARP The Magazine
• FREE second membership

Join AARP

Already a member? Renew or Print Card

Facebook

Contact AARP
Virginia

• VAAARP@aarp.org
• AARP Virginia
• Contact Us

  

Return to top

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Code Context
            <?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/01/25 
							</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/90/c2/733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a/credit-repair-scams-1.jpg" alt="Credit Repair Scams (1).jpg" width="940" height="788"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p>Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true.<br><br>Scammers often exploit financial stress by promising instant relief or quick results to become debt-free. These schemes typically involve up-front fees, bad advice like avoiding your creditors, or vague claims about what services they actually provide.<br><br>Before committing to a debt relief service and providing your sensitive personal information, research reviews and check for complaints with organizations like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span> to ensure their credibility. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nfcc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-magical-not-magic-the-joy-of-reiki-8fnthhz5mw3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MAGICAL-NOT-MAGIC-THE-JOY-OF-REIKI">Magical, Not Magic: The Joy of Reiki</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-the-theater-awaits-discover-the-magic-of-community-theater-jynsmmmrfz4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-THEATER-AWAITS-DISCOVER-THE-MAGIC-OF-COMMUNITY-THEATER">The Theater Awaits: Discover the Magic of Community Theater</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/intro-to-smartphone-photography-22nm96n8z8d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-INTRO-TO-SMARTPHONE-PHOTOGRAPHY">Intro to Smartphone Photography</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Virginia</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Virginia</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-RICHMOND-VA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Virginia, Fraud, Alert, Credit, Repair, Scams" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-beware-credit-repair-scams" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-credit-repair-scams-va-2025-01-01.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/01/25 
							</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/90/c2/733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a/credit-repair-scams-1.jpg" alt="Credit Repair Scams (1).jpg" width="940" height="788"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p>Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true.<br><br>Scammers often exploit financial stress by promising instant relief or quick results to become debt-free. These schemes typically involve up-front fees, bad advice like avoiding your creditors, or vague claims about what services they actually provide.<br><br>Before committing to a debt relief service and providing your sensitive personal information, research reviews and check for complaints with organizations like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span> to ensure their credibility. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nfcc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-magical-not-magic-the-joy-of-reiki-8fnthhz5mw3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MAGICAL-NOT-MAGIC-THE-JOY-OF-REIKI">Magical, Not Magic: The Joy of Reiki</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-the-theater-awaits-discover-the-magic-of-community-theater-jynsmmmrfz4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-THEATER-AWAITS-DISCOVER-THE-MAGIC-OF-COMMUNITY-THEATER">The Theater Awaits: Discover the Magic of Community Theater</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/intro-to-smartphone-photography-22nm96n8z8d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-INTRO-TO-SMARTPHONE-PHOTOGRAPHY">Intro to Smartphone Photography</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Virginia</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Virginia</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-RICHMOND-VA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Virginia, Fraud, Alert, Credit, Repair, Scams" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-beware-credit-repair-scams" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-credit-repair-scams-va-2025-01-01.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/richmond-va/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Richmond, VA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/richmond-va/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Code Context
            <?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/01/25 
							</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/90/c2/733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a/credit-repair-scams-1.jpg" alt="Credit Repair Scams (1).jpg" width="940" height="788"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p>Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true.<br><br>Scammers often exploit financial stress by promising instant relief or quick results to become debt-free. These schemes typically involve up-front fees, bad advice like avoiding your creditors, or vague claims about what services they actually provide.<br><br>Before committing to a debt relief service and providing your sensitive personal information, research reviews and check for complaints with organizations like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span> to ensure their credibility. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nfcc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-magical-not-magic-the-joy-of-reiki-8fnthhz5mw3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MAGICAL-NOT-MAGIC-THE-JOY-OF-REIKI">Magical, Not Magic: The Joy of Reiki</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-the-theater-awaits-discover-the-magic-of-community-theater-jynsmmmrfz4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-THEATER-AWAITS-DISCOVER-THE-MAGIC-OF-COMMUNITY-THEATER">The Theater Awaits: Discover the Magic of Community Theater</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/intro-to-smartphone-photography-22nm96n8z8d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-INTRO-TO-SMARTPHONE-PHOTOGRAPHY">Intro to Smartphone Photography</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Virginia</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Virginia</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-RICHMOND-VA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Virginia, Fraud, Alert, Credit, Repair, Scams" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-beware-credit-repair-scams" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-credit-repair-scams-va-2025-01-01.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/01/25 
							</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/90/c2/733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a/credit-repair-scams-1.jpg" alt="Credit Repair Scams (1).jpg" width="940" height="788"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p>Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true.<br><br>Scammers often exploit financial stress by promising instant relief or quick results to become debt-free. These schemes typically involve up-front fees, bad advice like avoiding your creditors, or vague claims about what services they actually provide.<br><br>Before committing to a debt relief service and providing your sensitive personal information, research reviews and check for complaints with organizations like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span> to ensure their credibility. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nfcc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-magical-not-magic-the-joy-of-reiki-8fnthhz5mw3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MAGICAL-NOT-MAGIC-THE-JOY-OF-REIKI">Magical, Not Magic: The Joy of Reiki</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-the-theater-awaits-discover-the-magic-of-community-theater-jynsmmmrfz4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-THEATER-AWAITS-DISCOVER-THE-MAGIC-OF-COMMUNITY-THEATER">The Theater Awaits: Discover the Magic of Community Theater</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/intro-to-smartphone-photography-22nm96n8z8d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-INTRO-TO-SMARTPHONE-PHOTOGRAPHY">Intro to Smartphone Photography</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Virginia</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Virginia</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-RICHMOND-VA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Virginia, Fraud, Alert, Credit, Repair, Scams" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-beware-credit-repair-scams" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-credit-repair-scams-va-2025-01-01.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/richmond-va/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Richmond, VA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/richmond-va/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/01/25 
							</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/90/c2/733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a/credit-repair-scams-1.jpg" alt="Credit Repair Scams (1).jpg" width="940" height="788"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p>Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true.<br><br>Scammers often exploit financial stress by promising instant relief or quick results to become debt-free. These schemes typically involve up-front fees, bad advice like avoiding your creditors, or vague claims about what services they actually provide.<br><br>Before committing to a debt relief service and providing your sensitive personal information, research reviews and check for complaints with organizations like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span> to ensure their credibility. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nfcc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-magical-not-magic-the-joy-of-reiki-8fnthhz5mw3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MAGICAL-NOT-MAGIC-THE-JOY-OF-REIKI">Magical, Not Magic: The Joy of Reiki</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-the-theater-awaits-discover-the-magic-of-community-theater-jynsmmmrfz4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-THEATER-AWAITS-DISCOVER-THE-MAGIC-OF-COMMUNITY-THEATER">The Theater Awaits: Discover the Magic of Community Theater</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/intro-to-smartphone-photography-22nm96n8z8d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-INTRO-TO-SMARTPHONE-PHOTOGRAPHY">Intro to Smartphone Photography</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Virginia</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Virginia</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-RICHMOND-VA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Virginia, Fraud, Alert, Credit, Repair, Scams" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-beware-credit-repair-scams" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-credit-repair-scams-va-2025-01-01.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/01/25 
							</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/90/c2/733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a/credit-repair-scams-1.jpg" alt="Credit Repair Scams (1).jpg" width="940" height="788"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p>Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true.<br><br>Scammers often exploit financial stress by promising instant relief or quick results to become debt-free. These schemes typically involve up-front fees, bad advice like avoiding your creditors, or vague claims about what services they actually provide.<br><br>Before committing to a debt relief service and providing your sensitive personal information, research reviews and check for complaints with organizations like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span> to ensure their credibility. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nfcc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-magical-not-magic-the-joy-of-reiki-8fnthhz5mw3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MAGICAL-NOT-MAGIC-THE-JOY-OF-REIKI">Magical, Not Magic: The Joy of Reiki</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-the-theater-awaits-discover-the-magic-of-community-theater-jynsmmmrfz4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-THEATER-AWAITS-DISCOVER-THE-MAGIC-OF-COMMUNITY-THEATER">The Theater Awaits: Discover the Magic of Community Theater</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/intro-to-smartphone-photography-22nm96n8z8d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-INTRO-TO-SMARTPHONE-PHOTOGRAPHY">Intro to Smartphone Photography</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Virginia</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Virginia</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-RICHMOND-VA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Virginia, Fraud, Alert, Credit, Repair, Scams" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-beware-credit-repair-scams" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-credit-repair-scams-va-2025-01-01.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/richmond-va/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Richmond, VA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/richmond-va/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/01/25 
							</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/90/c2/733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a/credit-repair-scams-1.jpg" alt="Credit Repair Scams (1).jpg" width="940" height="788"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p>Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true.<br><br>Scammers often exploit financial stress by promising instant relief or quick results to become debt-free. These schemes typically involve up-front fees, bad advice like avoiding your creditors, or vague claims about what services they actually provide.<br><br>Before committing to a debt relief service and providing your sensitive personal information, research reviews and check for complaints with organizations like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span> to ensure their credibility. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nfcc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-magical-not-magic-the-joy-of-reiki-8fnthhz5mw3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MAGICAL-NOT-MAGIC-THE-JOY-OF-REIKI">Magical, Not Magic: The Joy of Reiki</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-the-theater-awaits-discover-the-magic-of-community-theater-jynsmmmrfz4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-THEATER-AWAITS-DISCOVER-THE-MAGIC-OF-COMMUNITY-THEATER">The Theater Awaits: Discover the Magic of Community Theater</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/intro-to-smartphone-photography-22nm96n8z8d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-INTRO-TO-SMARTPHONE-PHOTOGRAPHY">Intro to Smartphone Photography</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Virginia</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Virginia</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-RICHMOND-VA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Virginia, Fraud, Alert, Credit, Repair, Scams" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-beware-credit-repair-scams" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-credit-repair-scams-va-2025-01-01.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/01/25 
							</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/90/c2/733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a/credit-repair-scams-1.jpg" alt="Credit Repair Scams (1).jpg" width="940" height="788"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p>Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true.<br><br>Scammers often exploit financial stress by promising instant relief or quick results to become debt-free. These schemes typically involve up-front fees, bad advice like avoiding your creditors, or vague claims about what services they actually provide.<br><br>Before committing to a debt relief service and providing your sensitive personal information, research reviews and check for complaints with organizations like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span> to ensure their credibility. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nfcc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-magical-not-magic-the-joy-of-reiki-8fnthhz5mw3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MAGICAL-NOT-MAGIC-THE-JOY-OF-REIKI">Magical, Not Magic: The Joy of Reiki</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-the-theater-awaits-discover-the-magic-of-community-theater-jynsmmmrfz4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-THEATER-AWAITS-DISCOVER-THE-MAGIC-OF-COMMUNITY-THEATER">The Theater Awaits: Discover the Magic of Community Theater</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/intro-to-smartphone-photography-22nm96n8z8d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-INTRO-TO-SMARTPHONE-PHOTOGRAPHY">Intro to Smartphone Photography</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Virginia</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Virginia</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-RICHMOND-VA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Virginia, Fraud, Alert, Credit, Repair, Scams" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-beware-credit-repair-scams" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-credit-repair-scams-va-2025-01-01.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/richmond-va/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Richmond, VA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/richmond-va/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]
Code Context
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/01/25 
							</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/90/c2/733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a/credit-repair-scams-1.jpg" alt="Credit Repair Scams (1).jpg" width="940" height="788"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p>Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true.<br><br>Scammers often exploit financial stress by promising instant relief or quick results to become debt-free. These schemes typically involve up-front fees, bad advice like avoiding your creditors, or vague claims about what services they actually provide.<br><br>Before committing to a debt relief service and providing your sensitive personal information, research reviews and check for complaints with organizations like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span> to ensure their credibility. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nfcc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-magical-not-magic-the-joy-of-reiki-8fnthhz5mw3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MAGICAL-NOT-MAGIC-THE-JOY-OF-REIKI">Magical, Not Magic: The Joy of Reiki</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-the-theater-awaits-discover-the-magic-of-community-theater-jynsmmmrfz4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-THEATER-AWAITS-DISCOVER-THE-MAGIC-OF-COMMUNITY-THEATER">The Theater Awaits: Discover the Magic of Community Theater</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/intro-to-smartphone-photography-22nm96n8z8d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-INTRO-TO-SMARTPHONE-PHOTOGRAPHY">Intro to Smartphone Photography</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Virginia</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Virginia</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-RICHMOND-VA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Virginia, Fraud, Alert, Credit, Repair, Scams" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-beware-credit-repair-scams" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-credit-repair-scams-va-2025-01-01.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/01/25 
							</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/90/c2/733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a/credit-repair-scams-1.jpg" alt="Credit Repair Scams (1).jpg" width="940" height="788"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p>Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true.<br><br>Scammers often exploit financial stress by promising instant relief or quick results to become debt-free. These schemes typically involve up-front fees, bad advice like avoiding your creditors, or vague claims about what services they actually provide.<br><br>Before committing to a debt relief service and providing your sensitive personal information, research reviews and check for complaints with organizations like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span> to ensure their credibility. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nfcc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-magical-not-magic-the-joy-of-reiki-8fnthhz5mw3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MAGICAL-NOT-MAGIC-THE-JOY-OF-REIKI">Magical, Not Magic: The Joy of Reiki</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-the-theater-awaits-discover-the-magic-of-community-theater-jynsmmmrfz4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-THEATER-AWAITS-DISCOVER-THE-MAGIC-OF-COMMUNITY-THEATER">The Theater Awaits: Discover the Magic of Community Theater</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/intro-to-smartphone-photography-22nm96n8z8d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-INTRO-TO-SMARTPHONE-PHOTOGRAPHY">Intro to Smartphone Photography</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Virginia</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Virginia</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-RICHMOND-VA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Virginia, Fraud, Alert, Credit, Repair, Scams" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-beware-credit-repair-scams" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-credit-repair-scams-va-2025-01-01.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/richmond-va/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Richmond, VA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/richmond-va/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]
Code Context
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/01/25 
							</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/90/c2/733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a/credit-repair-scams-1.jpg" alt="Credit Repair Scams (1).jpg" width="940" height="788"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p>Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true.<br><br>Scammers often exploit financial stress by promising instant relief or quick results to become debt-free. These schemes typically involve up-front fees, bad advice like avoiding your creditors, or vague claims about what services they actually provide.<br><br>Before committing to a debt relief service and providing your sensitive personal information, research reviews and check for complaints with organizations like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span> to ensure their credibility. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nfcc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-magical-not-magic-the-joy-of-reiki-8fnthhz5mw3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MAGICAL-NOT-MAGIC-THE-JOY-OF-REIKI">Magical, Not Magic: The Joy of Reiki</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-the-theater-awaits-discover-the-magic-of-community-theater-jynsmmmrfz4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-THEATER-AWAITS-DISCOVER-THE-MAGIC-OF-COMMUNITY-THEATER">The Theater Awaits: Discover the Magic of Community Theater</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/intro-to-smartphone-photography-22nm96n8z8d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-INTRO-TO-SMARTPHONE-PHOTOGRAPHY">Intro to Smartphone Photography</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Virginia</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Virginia</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-RICHMOND-VA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Virginia, Fraud, Alert, Credit, Repair, Scams" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-beware-credit-repair-scams" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-credit-repair-scams-va-2025-01-01.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }',
	'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">

	<div>    
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/01/25 
							</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/90/c2/733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a/credit-repair-scams-1.jpg" alt="Credit Repair Scams (1).jpg" width="940" height="788"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p>Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true.<br><br>Scammers often exploit financial stress by promising instant relief or quick results to become debt-free. These schemes typically involve up-front fees, bad advice like avoiding your creditors, or vague claims about what services they actually provide.<br><br>Before committing to a debt relief service and providing your sensitive personal information, research reviews and check for complaints with organizations like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span> to ensure their credibility. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nfcc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css">

<!-- bypass -->
<style>
a:focus, a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}
h1.article-headline {
margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
</style>



<!--
<style>
.Enhancement-item .Figure {
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body ul {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.RichTextArticleBody-body p{
    margin: 12px 0;
}
.RichTextModule-items {
   clear: both;
    display: table;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.VideoEnhancement>* {
    color: var(--primaryTextColor);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 400;
    line-height: 1.4;
    font-style: italic;
    background: #f0efed
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement>* {
        font-size:14px;
        font-weight: 400;
        line-height: 1.47
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-title {
    padding: 20px
}

@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) {
    .VideoEnhancement-title {
        padding:30px
    }
}

.VideoEnhancement-player>* {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    height: 0;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}

.VideoEnhancement iframe {
    border: 0;
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%
}
[data-video-player] {
    display: block;
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
    height: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%;
}

[data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] {
    padding-bottom: 56.25%
}
</style>
--></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" 
	href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Richmond</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-magical-not-magic-the-joy-of-reiki-8fnthhz5mw3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MAGICAL-NOT-MAGIC-THE-JOY-OF-REIKI">Magical, Not Magic: The Joy of Reiki</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/tuesday-explorers-presents-the-theater-awaits-discover-the-magic-of-community-theater-jynsmmmrfz4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-THEATER-AWAITS-DISCOVER-THE-MAGIC-OF-COMMUNITY-THEATER">The Theater Awaits: Discover the Magic of Community Theater</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025 at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/intro-to-smartphone-photography-22nm96n8z8d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-INTRO-TO-SMARTPHONE-PHOTOGRAPHY">Intro to Smartphone Photography</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Virginia</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:VAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Virginia</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-RICHMOND-VA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpVa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="Overwhelmed by holiday bills? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either. The New Year is the perfect time to take" name="description"/>
<meta content="AARP, Virginia, Fraud, Alert, Credit, Repair, Scams" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-beware-credit-repair-scams" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-virginia-fraud-alert-credit-repair-scams-va-2025-01-01.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="article"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Credit Repair Scams"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bcaae08/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F90%2Fc2%2F733dfc9a46adb705a716ddc0762a%2Fcredit-repair-scams-1.jpg"/>
        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = '        :root {
        --primaryColor: #ff1e3c;
        --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a;
        --linkTextColor: #1f66bd;
        --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd;
        --secondaryTextColor: #000000;
        --secondaryColor2: #000000;
        --secondaryColor3: #000000;
        --secondaryColor4: #000000;
        --secondaryColor5: #000000;
        --black: #000000;
        --white: #ffffff;
        --grey: #f0efed;
        --gridGutters: 30px;
        --modulePadding: 60px;
        --pageWidth: 86.11%;
        --maxPageWidth: 1240px;
        --horizontalAlignment: center;
        --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
        --headerBackgroundColor:#000000;
        --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF;
        --headerHeight:50px;
        --footerbackgroundColor:#000000;
        --footerTextColor:#918883;
        }'
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/richmond-va/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Richmond, VA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/richmond-va/happenings/">News Feed</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/richmond-va/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/richmond-va/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'News Feed',
		'slug' => 'happenings'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to News Feed',
	'slug' => 'happenings'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118