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AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers

Posted on 01/29/25

Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it could be the start a scam. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. Here are three tips to protect yourself from unknown callers.

1) Let it ring. The easiest thing to do is not answer the call. If it is important, the caller will leave a message or call back again.

2) Let the caller speak first.  Most scammers use an auto dialer – an automated system that calls a bunch of random numbers at the same time and connects to a live person when someone answers the phone. That brief pause or delay before the caller speaks is a red flag that the call could be a scam.

3)  Block suspicious calls. Check with your service provider to learn about options to block spam and scam calls.

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 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

• Tuesday Explorers presents Ethel Percy Andrus, One Woman Who Changed America

  Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. ET

  Zoom

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• AARP Theater: The Barber of Seville

  Sunday, Mar 9, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET

  Eventive

  Online Event

• Ladies to the Rescue!: The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the Pres

  Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. ET

  Zoom

  Online Event

View All AARP Events

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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/29/25 
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        </div><p>Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it could be the start a scam. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. Here are three tips to protect yourself from unknown callers.<br><br>1) <b>Let it ring</b>. The easiest thing to do is not answer the call. If it is important, the caller will leave a message or call back again.<br><br>2) <b>Let the caller speak first.&nbsp; </b>Most scammers use an auto dialer – an automated system that calls a bunch of random numbers at the same time and connects to a live person when someone answers the phone. That brief pause or delay before the caller speaks is a red flag that the call could be a scam.<br><br>3) <b>&nbsp;Block suspicious calls. </b>Check with your service provider to learn about options to block spam and scam calls.<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 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>.</p></div>
    
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		<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>
	
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        </div><p>Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it could be the start a scam. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. Here are three tips to protect yourself from unknown callers.<br><br>1) <b>Let it ring</b>. The easiest thing to do is not answer the call. If it is important, the caller will leave a message or call back again.<br><br>2) <b>Let the caller speak first.&nbsp; </b>Most scammers use an auto dialer – an automated system that calls a bunch of random numbers at the same time and connects to a live person when someone answers the phone. That brief pause or delay before the caller speaks is a red flag that the call could be a scam.<br><br>3) <b>&nbsp;Block suspicious calls. </b>Check with your service provider to learn about options to block spam and scam calls.<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 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>.</p></div>
    
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		<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>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/29/25 
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        </div><p>Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it could be the start a scam. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. Here are three tips to protect yourself from unknown callers.<br><br>1) <b>Let it ring</b>. The easiest thing to do is not answer the call. If it is important, the caller will leave a message or call back again.<br><br>2) <b>Let the caller speak first.&nbsp; </b>Most scammers use an auto dialer – an automated system that calls a bunch of random numbers at the same time and connects to a live person when someone answers the phone. That brief pause or delay before the caller speaks is a red flag that the call could be a scam.<br><br>3) <b>&nbsp;Block suspicious calls. </b>Check with your service provider to learn about options to block spam and scam calls.<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 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>.</p></div>
    
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		<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>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/29/25 
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        </div><p>Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it could be the start a scam. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. Here are three tips to protect yourself from unknown callers.<br><br>1) <b>Let it ring</b>. The easiest thing to do is not answer the call. If it is important, the caller will leave a message or call back again.<br><br>2) <b>Let the caller speak first.&nbsp; </b>Most scammers use an auto dialer – an automated system that calls a bunch of random numbers at the same time and connects to a live person when someone answers the phone. That brief pause or delay before the caller speaks is a red flag that the call could be a scam.<br><br>3) <b>&nbsp;Block suspicious calls. </b>Check with your service provider to learn about options to block spam and scam calls.<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 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>.</p></div>
    
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		<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>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/29/25 
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        </div><p>Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it could be the start a scam. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. Here are three tips to protect yourself from unknown callers.<br><br>1) <b>Let it ring</b>. The easiest thing to do is not answer the call. If it is important, the caller will leave a message or call back again.<br><br>2) <b>Let the caller speak first.&nbsp; </b>Most scammers use an auto dialer – an automated system that calls a bunch of random numbers at the same time and connects to a live person when someone answers the phone. That brief pause or delay before the caller speaks is a red flag that the call could be a scam.<br><br>3) <b>&nbsp;Block suspicious calls. </b>Check with your service provider to learn about options to block spam and scam calls.<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 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>.</p></div>
    
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		<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>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/29/25 
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        </div><p>Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it could be the start a scam. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. Here are three tips to protect yourself from unknown callers.<br><br>1) <b>Let it ring</b>. The easiest thing to do is not answer the call. If it is important, the caller will leave a message or call back again.<br><br>2) <b>Let the caller speak first.&nbsp; </b>Most scammers use an auto dialer – an automated system that calls a bunch of random numbers at the same time and connects to a live person when someone answers the phone. That brief pause or delay before the caller speaks is a red flag that the call could be a scam.<br><br>3) <b>&nbsp;Block suspicious calls. </b>Check with your service provider to learn about options to block spam and scam calls.<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 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>.</p></div>
    
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		<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>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/29/25 
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        </div><p>Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it could be the start a scam. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. Here are three tips to protect yourself from unknown callers.<br><br>1) <b>Let it ring</b>. The easiest thing to do is not answer the call. If it is important, the caller will leave a message or call back again.<br><br>2) <b>Let the caller speak first.&nbsp; </b>Most scammers use an auto dialer – an automated system that calls a bunch of random numbers at the same time and connects to a live person when someone answers the phone. That brief pause or delay before the caller speaks is a red flag that the call could be a scam.<br><br>3) <b>&nbsp;Block suspicious calls. </b>Check with your service provider to learn about options to block spam and scam calls.<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 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>.</p></div>
    
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		<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>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/29/25 
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        </div><p>Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it could be the start a scam. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. Here are three tips to protect yourself from unknown callers.<br><br>1) <b>Let it ring</b>. The easiest thing to do is not answer the call. If it is important, the caller will leave a message or call back again.<br><br>2) <b>Let the caller speak first.&nbsp; </b>Most scammers use an auto dialer – an automated system that calls a bunch of random numbers at the same time and connects to a live person when someone answers the phone. That brief pause or delay before the caller speaks is a red flag that the call could be a scam.<br><br>3) <b>&nbsp;Block suspicious calls. </b>Check with your service provider to learn about options to block spam and scam calls.<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 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>.</p></div>
    
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		<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>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/29/25 
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        </div><p>Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it could be the start a scam. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. Here are three tips to protect yourself from unknown callers.<br><br>1) <b>Let it ring</b>. The easiest thing to do is not answer the call. If it is important, the caller will leave a message or call back again.<br><br>2) <b>Let the caller speak first.&nbsp; </b>Most scammers use an auto dialer – an automated system that calls a bunch of random numbers at the same time and connects to a live person when someone answers the phone. That brief pause or delay before the caller speaks is a red flag that the call could be a scam.<br><br>3) <b>&nbsp;Block suspicious calls. </b>Check with your service provider to learn about options to block spam and scam calls.<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 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>.</p></div>
    
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		<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>
	
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	<div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div>
<br />
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This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
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        </div><p>Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it could be the start a scam. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. Here are three tips to protect yourself from unknown callers.<br><br>1) <b>Let it ring</b>. The easiest thing to do is not answer the call. If it is important, the caller will leave a message or call back again.<br><br>2) <b>Let the caller speak first.&nbsp; </b>Most scammers use an auto dialer – an automated system that calls a bunch of random numbers at the same time and connects to a live person when someone answers the phone. That brief pause or delay before the caller speaks is a red flag that the call could be a scam.<br><br>3) <b>&nbsp;Block suspicious calls. </b>Check with your service provider to learn about options to block spam and scam calls.<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 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>.</p></div>
    
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		<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>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/29/25 
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        </div><p>Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it could be the start a scam. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. Here are three tips to protect yourself from unknown callers.<br><br>1) <b>Let it ring</b>. The easiest thing to do is not answer the call. If it is important, the caller will leave a message or call back again.<br><br>2) <b>Let the caller speak first.&nbsp; </b>Most scammers use an auto dialer – an automated system that calls a bunch of random numbers at the same time and connects to a live person when someone answers the phone. That brief pause or delay before the caller speaks is a red flag that the call could be a scam.<br><br>3) <b>&nbsp;Block suspicious calls. </b>Check with your service provider to learn about options to block spam and scam calls.<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 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>.</p></div>
    
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		<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>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/29/25 
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        </div><p>Receiving a call from an unknown number may seem harmless, but it could be the start a scam. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. Here are three tips to protect yourself from unknown callers.<br><br>1) <b>Let it ring</b>. The easiest thing to do is not answer the call. If it is important, the caller will leave a message or call back again.<br><br>2) <b>Let the caller speak first.&nbsp; </b>Most scammers use an auto dialer – an automated system that calls a bunch of random numbers at the same time and connects to a live person when someone answers the phone. That brief pause or delay before the caller speaks is a red flag that the call could be a scam.<br><br>3) <b>&nbsp;Block suspicious calls. </b>Check with your service provider to learn about options to block spam and scam calls.<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 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>.</p></div>
    
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		<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>
	
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