Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.head.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }'include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.head.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }'include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }'include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }'include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The Bulletin spoke with Platkin ahead of AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.
Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?
Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.
Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?
I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, Was this my financial institution reaching out to me? ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].
Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?
Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.
What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?
There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....
Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.
What are some new types of scams to be aware of?
Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.
What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?
We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...
Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.
How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?
The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.
What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?
If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.
A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.
Learn more about fraud:
How to report fraud
If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:
Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.
More on Scams
This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the AARP New Jersey page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Online Event
Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET
Online Event
Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET
West Windsor Senior Center
West Windsor, NJ
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/trenton-nj/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Trenton, NJ</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/trenton-nj/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/trenton-nj/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Trenton, NJ</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/trenton-nj/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/trenton-nj/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Trenton, NJ</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/trenton-nj/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/trenton-nj/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Trenton, NJ</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/trenton-nj/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/trenton-nj/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Trenton, NJ</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/trenton-nj/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/24 by <b>Michelle Crouch</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (D). The <i>Bulletin</i> spoke with Platkin ahead of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/join-aarp-new-jerseys-free-summit-on-fraud-prevention-rethinking-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP New Jersey’s annual fraud summit</a></span></span>—to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 21.<br><br>Platkin, 37, is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. New Jersey consumers lost $263 million to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.<br><br><b><i>Who is at risk of being targeted by scammers?</i></b><br><br>Frankly, everyone is at risk.... According to the FTC, in 2023 adults that were aged 20 [through] 29 reported losing money to fraud more often than older adults.... For adults 70 and older, they’re less likely to report fraud, and their frauds tend to incur larger losses than younger victims. So it’s really important that people of all age groups ... understand the risks.<br><br><b><i>Have you or a family member ever been targeted by a scam?</i></b><br><br>I’ve certainly been targeted many times. There was one case maybe a year or so ago, where even I was wondering, <i>Was this my financial institution reaching out to me?</i> ... They had information about me that made it seem like it was legitimate.... But fortunately, I knew what to do, which is report the [incident].<br><br><b><i>Do we know why older adults tend to be targeted?</i></b><br><br>Several reasons. First, they tend to have more substantial assets, whether it be their nest egg or their homes.... And as I mentioned, they’re less likely to report being scammed, often for fear of losing independence or being embarrassed. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We all fall victim to these scams at times, and it’s really important to report them.<br><br><b><i>What are some of the big scams in New Jersey that target older adults?</i></b><br><br>There are so many.... There’s a so-called grandparent scam, where scammers reach out claiming to be a family member, usually a grandchild. And they state that they’re in immediate financial need.... There are also tech-support scams. This is when scammers will act as an IT representative.... They might ask you to call up a phony support number or a pop-up [window] might appear on your computer which contains malware....<br><br>Another common scam is the lottery fraud. Scammers will often tell you that you won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes, which you can only collect after you pay certain fees or taxes.... There are romance scams, when scammers take advantage of people through dating websites or social media. [They claim] they have really strong feelings for you, and then they’ll ask you for money or gifts or personal information.<br><br><b><i>What are some new types of scams to be aware of?</i></b><br><br>Artificial intelligence is a big emerging threat in the scam context. You only need about three seconds of someone’s voice to create a fake audio recording from someone ... whether it be pretending to be a victim’s friend, or a family member, asking for money in their own voice. You see deep fakes of celebrities trying to trick victims into the idea that they’re investing in a credible product or good company.<br><br><b><i>What are some ways your office is fighting fraud?</i></b><br><br>We seek to ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable, and that they can’t keep the profits from those frauds. Instead we can provide those funds back to our victims.... We recently obtained a six-year state prison sentence for a resident of Camden County who was convicted in a transnational fraud that used multiple schemes to defraud three individuals of $1.5 million. One woman, tragically, a California woman, drained her entire retirement savings and investment account to support a fraudulent long-distance romantic relationship with a person that didn’t exist. The perpetrator of that has now been caught and held accountable. ...<br><br>Our Division of Consumer Affairs has made educating [the public] against scams a primary goal, and we do this through literally hundreds of community outreach programs each year as well through online educational materials and fraud alerts.<br><br><b><i>How is AARP helping in your efforts to fight fraud?</i></b><br><br>The best defense against scams is knowing how to recognize and stop them and how to report them.... And I would argue that nobody has a broader reach into this community than AARP does.... Helping to inform our residents about the latest frauds and scams is really critical. And so I’m very grateful for the partnership.<br><br><b><i>What advice or tips can you share with older adults to avoid fraud/scams?</i></b><br><br>If you see something that says you must act right away, or ... that somebody immediately needs help, that’s a red flag. Because that’s not typically how [legitimate] requests would come to you. Similarly, when you’re visiting websites, check that they’re legitimate. Make sure the names are spelled properly in the URL and that they’re not are fake websites.<br><br>A lot of the scams include fake charities, so make sure you investigate before you donate.... You can check our website to learn about whether a specific charity is registered.... You can call our hotline at 973-504-6215.<br><br><b>Learn more about fraud:</b><br></p><ul><li><b>AARP’s New Jersey annual fraud summit:</b> In-person event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Pines Manor in Edison, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summit will include panels with law enforcement officials and a keynote address by AARP Director of Fraud Prevention Kathy Stokes. For details and to register, see <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP New Jersey fraud webinars</b>: Join on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about imposter scams, or Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon and 7 p.m. to learn about identity theft. Find more at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">states.aarp.org/new-jersey/events-nj</a></span></span>.</li><li><b>AARP Fraud Watch Network:</b> Learn how to spot scams and get tips to protect yourself at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span> or speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-908-3360.</li></ul><p><b>How to report fraud</b><br>If you or a family member has been a victim of fraud, call the police. You may also call:<br></p><ul><li>The New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">njconsumeraffairs.gov</a></span></span> or 1-800-242-5846.</li><li>The Federal Trade Commission: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a></span></span> or 877-382-4357</li></ul><p><i>Michelle Crouch is a North Carolina- based journalist who covers health care and consumer issues. She has written for the Bulletin for 10 years.</i></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-brightcoveplayer data-video-player class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-account="3772599298001" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-video-title="AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud" > <video class="video-js" id="BrightcoveVideoPlayer-6284388591001" data-video-id="6284388591001" data-account="" data-player="KM9xJAJa4" data-embed="default" controls ></video> </bsp-brightcoveplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">AARP Fraud Frontiers: Our Susceptibility to Fraud</div> </span> </div> </div><p><b>More on Scams</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2024/aarp-fraud-awareness-report.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Many Americans Worry About Becoming Scam Victims, New Report Finds</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/top-scammer-list.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 Scams to Watch Out For in 2024</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/do-me-a-favor.html?intcmp=AE-FRDSC-MOR-R2-POS3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beware of "Do Me a Favor" Scam Messages</a></span></span> </li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank">AARP New Jersey</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="/trenton-nj/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="/trenton-nj/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">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-12-pm-et-vcnkldjdddr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></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/aarp-nj-our-voices-decide-webinar-101624-6-pm-et-bdncjlhmwwf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-OUR-VOICES-DECIDE-PROTECT-SOCIAL-SECURITY-SUPPORT-FAMILY-CAREGIVERS">Our Voices Decide: Protect Social Security & Support Family Caregivers</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-princeton-junction-nj-c31789.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-WINDSOR-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Windsor Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Windsor Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Windsor, NJ</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/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-TRENTON-NJ">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-TRENTON-NJ">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 New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</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:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@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/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</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/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" 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/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud </title> <meta name="page_title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="With criminals constantly inventing new and more sophisticated schemes to steal money, everyone is at risk of fraud, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew" name="description"/> <meta content="AG, Platkin, Everyone, at, risk, of, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/new-jersey/ag-platkin-fraud-risk" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/ag-platkin-everyone-is-at-risk-of-fraud-nj-2024-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AG Platkin: “Everyone is at risk” of fraud "/> <meta property="og:description" content="Platkin is working with AARP New Jersey to raise awareness about scams. The Bulletin spoke with him in April about how his office is fighting fraud and what"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ea7dac9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5616x3610+0+67/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fd4%2F21%2F099e6bf2a06af32f03109232291d%2Fgettyimages-502644855-super-1.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/trenton-nj/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Trenton, NJ</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/trenton-nj/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/trenton-nj/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/trenton-nj/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118