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$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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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} </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; 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"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed43ff7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F8b%2F8b%2F5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9%2Famazon-imposter-scams.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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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} </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> <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'); 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$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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. 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} </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 $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RICHMOND-VA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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$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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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} </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; 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"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed43ff7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F8b%2F8b%2F5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9%2Famazon-imposter-scams.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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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} </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> <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'); 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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.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 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. 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} </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; 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Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.
Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.
False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.
Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.
Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.
This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the AARP Virginia page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
Wednesday, Oct 9, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Mazawey Education and Support Center or Zoom
Fairfax, VA
Monday, Oct 14, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. ET
Zoom
Online Event
Thursday, Oct 24, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET
Annie Marie Giles Community Resource and Training Center
Richmond, VA
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$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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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} </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; 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"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed43ff7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F8b%2F8b%2F5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9%2Famazon-imposter-scams.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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. 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$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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed43ff7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F8b%2F8b%2F5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9%2Famazon-imposter-scams.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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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$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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed43ff7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F8b%2F8b%2F5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9%2Famazon-imposter-scams.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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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$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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed43ff7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F8b%2F8b%2F5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9%2Famazon-imposter-scams.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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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$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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed43ff7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F8b%2F8b%2F5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9%2Famazon-imposter-scams.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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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$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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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); 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"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed43ff7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/940x604+0+92/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F8b%2F8b%2F5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9%2Famazon-imposter-scams.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: The Latest in Imposter Scams</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/08/24 </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/8b/8b/5d0fe77f4b76ace0c80da53e9da9/amazon-imposter-scams.jpg" alt="Amazon Imposter Scams.jpg" width="940" height="788"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Criminals love to impersonate big businesses and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.<br><br>Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.<br><br>False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real looking websites where you can share your payment information.<br><br>Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk that you’ll be connected directly to a crook.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Ffraudwatchnetwork&data=04%7C01%7Ckstokes%40aarp.org%7C24fe3c0ad9c04fdf40d908d946d2a88c%7Ca395e38b4b754e4493499a37de460a33%7C0%7C0%7C637618692842390966%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IBS3Yo8BbkqR43ZUskNk5Ur7CKxYuv%2FTRXhsVzADR8Y%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span><b> or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</b></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/solo-aging-and-having-a-support-team-z9nd6l9h3bf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SOLO-AGING-BUILDING-A-SUPPORT-TEAM">Solo Aging: Building a Support Team</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 9, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Mazawey Education and Support Center or Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Fairfax, VA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/diabetes-when-sugars-not-so-sweet-gfnchqrq8nc.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DIABETES-WHEN-SUGARS-NOT-SO-SWEET">Diabetes: When Sugar's Not So Sweet</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Oct 14, 2024 at 1:30 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/richmond-scam-jam-and-shred-event-z9nt6vc26xr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-RICHMOND-SCAM-JAM-AND-SHRED-EVENT">Richmond Scam Jam and Shred Event</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Oct 24, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Annie Marie Giles Community Resource and Training Center</p> <p class="loc">Richmond, VA</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> <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'); 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