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AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Social Media Advertisement Scams

Posted on 01/08/25

Over one-third of U.S. adults who have bought something through an ad on their social media feed report being defrauded, according to a new AARP survey. Don’t let scammers ad-vertise their way into your wallet this new year; here are three tips to stay ahead of social media shopping scams.

1)    Don't click on the ad. If the ad appears to be from a known retailer, type the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can impersonate legitimate retailers, and clicking on the ad could bring you to a copycat site.

2) Read reviews and research. If the ad is from a retailer you’re unfamiliar with, verify the site’s legitimacy. Research the company and check for complaints with organizations like the Better Business Bureau.

3) Check the product quality. Be wary of bait-and-switch scams where you receive a product inferior to what was advertised (or you receive nothing at all). If this happens, you can contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.

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 Peculiar

AARP Events for Peculiar

• Featured Event

  MLK Service Day with AARP Kansas City

  Monday, Jan 20, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CT

  Cleaver Family YMCA

  KCMO, MO

• Smart DriverTEK Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Tech

  Friday, Jan 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. CT

  Zoom

  Online Event

• A Girlfriend-to-Girlfriend Workshop - Safety Benefits of New Car Tech

  Monday, Jan 27, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. CT

  Zoom

  Online Event

View All AARP Events

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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Social Media Advertisement Scams</h1></header>	
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        </div><p>Over one-third of U.S. adults who have bought something through an ad on their social media feed report being defrauded, according to a new AARP survey. Don’t let scammers <i>ad</i>-vertise their way into your wallet this new year; here are three tips to stay ahead of social media shopping scams.<br><br>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Don't click on the ad. </b>If the ad appears to be from a known retailer, type the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can impersonate legitimate retailers, and clicking on the ad could bring you to a copycat site.<br><br>2) <b>Read reviews and research. </b>If the ad is from a retailer you’re unfamiliar with, verify the site’s legitimacy. Research the company 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><br><br>3) <b>Check the product quality. </b>Be wary of bait-and-switch scams where you receive a product inferior to what was advertised (or you receive nothing at all). If this happens, you can contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.<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>Over one-third of U.S. adults who have bought something through an ad on their social media feed report being defrauded, according to a new AARP survey. Don’t let scammers <i>ad</i>-vertise their way into your wallet this new year; here are three tips to stay ahead of social media shopping scams.<br><br>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Don't click on the ad. </b>If the ad appears to be from a known retailer, type the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can impersonate legitimate retailers, and clicking on the ad could bring you to a copycat site.<br><br>2) <b>Read reviews and research. </b>If the ad is from a retailer you’re unfamiliar with, verify the site’s legitimacy. Research the company 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><br><br>3) <b>Check the product quality. </b>Be wary of bait-and-switch scams where you receive a product inferior to what was advertised (or you receive nothing at all). If this happens, you can contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.<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: Social Media Advertisement Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/08/25 
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        </div><p>Over one-third of U.S. adults who have bought something through an ad on their social media feed report being defrauded, according to a new AARP survey. Don’t let scammers <i>ad</i>-vertise their way into your wallet this new year; here are three tips to stay ahead of social media shopping scams.<br><br>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Don't click on the ad. </b>If the ad appears to be from a known retailer, type the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can impersonate legitimate retailers, and clicking on the ad could bring you to a copycat site.<br><br>2) <b>Read reviews and research. </b>If the ad is from a retailer you’re unfamiliar with, verify the site’s legitimacy. Research the company 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><br><br>3) <b>Check the product quality. </b>Be wary of bait-and-switch scams where you receive a product inferior to what was advertised (or you receive nothing at all). If this happens, you can contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.<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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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-mlk-day-with-aarp-kc-at-cleaver-ymca-kansas-city-mo-12025-sknnlryn2d6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MLK-SERVICE-DAY-WITH-AARP-KANSAS-CITY">MLK Service Day with AARP Kansas City</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 20, 2025 at 9:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Cleaver Family YMCA</p>
					<p class="loc">KCMO, MO</p>
					
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-tech-6kng5c5q2hm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECH">Smart DriverTEK Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Tech</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Jan 24, 2025 at 2:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
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					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 27, 2025 at 6:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Social Media Advertisement Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/08/25 
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        </div><p>Over one-third of U.S. adults who have bought something through an ad on their social media feed report being defrauded, according to a new AARP survey. Don’t let scammers <i>ad</i>-vertise their way into your wallet this new year; here are three tips to stay ahead of social media shopping scams.<br><br>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Don't click on the ad. </b>If the ad appears to be from a known retailer, type the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can impersonate legitimate retailers, and clicking on the ad could bring you to a copycat site.<br><br>2) <b>Read reviews and research. </b>If the ad is from a retailer you’re unfamiliar with, verify the site’s legitimacy. Research the company 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><br><br>3) <b>Check the product quality. </b>Be wary of bait-and-switch scams where you receive a product inferior to what was advertised (or you receive nothing at all). If this happens, you can contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.<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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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-mlk-day-with-aarp-kc-at-cleaver-ymca-kansas-city-mo-12025-sknnlryn2d6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MLK-SERVICE-DAY-WITH-AARP-KANSAS-CITY">MLK Service Day with AARP Kansas City</a></h2>
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Social Media Advertisement Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/08/25 
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        </div><p>Over one-third of U.S. adults who have bought something through an ad on their social media feed report being defrauded, according to a new AARP survey. Don’t let scammers <i>ad</i>-vertise their way into your wallet this new year; here are three tips to stay ahead of social media shopping scams.<br><br>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Don't click on the ad. </b>If the ad appears to be from a known retailer, type the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can impersonate legitimate retailers, and clicking on the ad could bring you to a copycat site.<br><br>2) <b>Read reviews and research. </b>If the ad is from a retailer you’re unfamiliar with, verify the site’s legitimacy. Research the company 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><br><br>3) <b>Check the product quality. </b>Be wary of bait-and-switch scams where you receive a product inferior to what was advertised (or you receive nothing at all). If this happens, you can contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.<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: Social Media Advertisement Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/08/25 
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        </div><p>Over one-third of U.S. adults who have bought something through an ad on their social media feed report being defrauded, according to a new AARP survey. Don’t let scammers <i>ad</i>-vertise their way into your wallet this new year; here are three tips to stay ahead of social media shopping scams.<br><br>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Don't click on the ad. </b>If the ad appears to be from a known retailer, type the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can impersonate legitimate retailers, and clicking on the ad could bring you to a copycat site.<br><br>2) <b>Read reviews and research. </b>If the ad is from a retailer you’re unfamiliar with, verify the site’s legitimacy. Research the company 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><br><br>3) <b>Check the product quality. </b>Be wary of bait-and-switch scams where you receive a product inferior to what was advertised (or you receive nothing at all). If this happens, you can contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.<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: Social Media Advertisement Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/08/25 
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        </div><p>Over one-third of U.S. adults who have bought something through an ad on their social media feed report being defrauded, according to a new AARP survey. Don’t let scammers <i>ad</i>-vertise their way into your wallet this new year; here are three tips to stay ahead of social media shopping scams.<br><br>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Don't click on the ad. </b>If the ad appears to be from a known retailer, type the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can impersonate legitimate retailers, and clicking on the ad could bring you to a copycat site.<br><br>2) <b>Read reviews and research. </b>If the ad is from a retailer you’re unfamiliar with, verify the site’s legitimacy. Research the company 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><br><br>3) <b>Check the product quality. </b>Be wary of bait-and-switch scams where you receive a product inferior to what was advertised (or you receive nothing at all). If this happens, you can contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.<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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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-mlk-day-with-aarp-kc-at-cleaver-ymca-kansas-city-mo-12025-sknnlryn2d6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MLK-SERVICE-DAY-WITH-AARP-KANSAS-CITY">MLK Service Day with AARP Kansas City</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 20, 2025 at 9:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
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        </div><p>Over one-third of U.S. adults who have bought something through an ad on their social media feed report being defrauded, according to a new AARP survey. Don’t let scammers <i>ad</i>-vertise their way into your wallet this new year; here are three tips to stay ahead of social media shopping scams.<br><br>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Don't click on the ad. </b>If the ad appears to be from a known retailer, type the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can impersonate legitimate retailers, and clicking on the ad could bring you to a copycat site.<br><br>2) <b>Read reviews and research. </b>If the ad is from a retailer you’re unfamiliar with, verify the site’s legitimacy. Research the company 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><br><br>3) <b>Check the product quality. </b>Be wary of bait-and-switch scams where you receive a product inferior to what was advertised (or you receive nothing at all). If this happens, you can contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.<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: Social Media Advertisement Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 01/08/25 
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        </div><p>Over one-third of U.S. adults who have bought something through an ad on their social media feed report being defrauded, according to a new AARP survey. Don’t let scammers <i>ad</i>-vertise their way into your wallet this new year; here are three tips to stay ahead of social media shopping scams.<br><br>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Don't click on the ad. </b>If the ad appears to be from a known retailer, type the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can impersonate legitimate retailers, and clicking on the ad could bring you to a copycat site.<br><br>2) <b>Read reviews and research. </b>If the ad is from a retailer you’re unfamiliar with, verify the site’s legitimacy. Research the company 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><br><br>3) <b>Check the product quality. </b>Be wary of bait-and-switch scams where you receive a product inferior to what was advertised (or you receive nothing at all). If this happens, you can contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.<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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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-mlk-day-with-aarp-kc-at-cleaver-ymca-kansas-city-mo-12025-sknnlryn2d6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MLK-SERVICE-DAY-WITH-AARP-KANSAS-CITY">MLK Service Day with AARP Kansas City</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 20, 2025 at 9:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Cleaver Family YMCA</p>
					<p class="loc">KCMO, MO</p>
					
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-tech-6kng5c5q2hm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECH">Smart DriverTEK Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Tech</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Jan 24, 2025 at 2:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
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					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/a-girlfriendtogirlfriend-workshop-safety-benefits-of-new-car-tech-5jnt4dgs7qr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-GIRLFRIENDTOGIRLFRIEND-WORKSHOP-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECH">A Girlfriend-to-Girlfriend Workshop - Safety Benefits of New Car Tech</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 27, 2025 at 6:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Social Media Advertisement Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/08/25 
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        </div><p>Over one-third of U.S. adults who have bought something through an ad on their social media feed report being defrauded, according to a new AARP survey. Don’t let scammers <i>ad</i>-vertise their way into your wallet this new year; here are three tips to stay ahead of social media shopping scams.<br><br>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Don't click on the ad. </b>If the ad appears to be from a known retailer, type the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can impersonate legitimate retailers, and clicking on the ad could bring you to a copycat site.<br><br>2) <b>Read reviews and research. </b>If the ad is from a retailer you’re unfamiliar with, verify the site’s legitimacy. Research the company 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><br><br>3) <b>Check the product quality. </b>Be wary of bait-and-switch scams where you receive a product inferior to what was advertised (or you receive nothing at all). If this happens, you can contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.<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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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-mlk-day-with-aarp-kc-at-cleaver-ymca-kansas-city-mo-12025-sknnlryn2d6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MLK-SERVICE-DAY-WITH-AARP-KANSAS-CITY">MLK Service Day with AARP Kansas City</a></h2>
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-tech-6kng5c5q2hm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECH">Smart DriverTEK Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Tech</a></h2>
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					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 27, 2025 at 6:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Virginia Fraud Alert: Social Media Advertisement Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/08/25 
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        </div><p>Over one-third of U.S. adults who have bought something through an ad on their social media feed report being defrauded, according to a new AARP survey. Don’t let scammers <i>ad</i>-vertise their way into your wallet this new year; here are three tips to stay ahead of social media shopping scams.<br><br>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Don't click on the ad. </b>If the ad appears to be from a known retailer, type the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can impersonate legitimate retailers, and clicking on the ad could bring you to a copycat site.<br><br>2) <b>Read reviews and research. </b>If the ad is from a retailer you’re unfamiliar with, verify the site’s legitimacy. Research the company 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><br><br>3) <b>Check the product quality. </b>Be wary of bait-and-switch scams where you receive a product inferior to what was advertised (or you receive nothing at all). If this happens, you can contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.<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: Social Media Advertisement Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 01/08/25 
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        </div><p>Over one-third of U.S. adults who have bought something through an ad on their social media feed report being defrauded, according to a new AARP survey. Don’t let scammers <i>ad</i>-vertise their way into your wallet this new year; here are three tips to stay ahead of social media shopping scams.<br><br>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Don't click on the ad. </b>If the ad appears to be from a known retailer, type the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can impersonate legitimate retailers, and clicking on the ad could bring you to a copycat site.<br><br>2) <b>Read reviews and research. </b>If the ad is from a retailer you’re unfamiliar with, verify the site’s legitimacy. Research the company 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><br><br>3) <b>Check the product quality. </b>Be wary of bait-and-switch scams where you receive a product inferior to what was advertised (or you receive nothing at all). If this happens, you can contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.<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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			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/peculiar-mo/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/peculiar-mo/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="/peculiar-mo/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="/peculiar-mo/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="/peculiar-mo/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="/peculiar-mo/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="/peculiar-mo/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="/peculiar-mo/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