'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia
Posted on 05/22/24
ATLANTA, Georgia— In our latest episode of ‘Nothing But a Number,’ a podcast presented by AARP Georgia, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, interviews Shawn Conroy, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, to peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians today.
Conroy highlights the alarming prevalence of imposter scams, where criminals pose as trusted figures such as utility company representatives, government officials, or even local law enforcement. These scams often involve urgent requests for money to resolve pseudo imminent issues.
[WATCH the latest podcast episode with the full interview here]
Both experts emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any transaction, using resources like the Better Business Bureau, AARP Fraud Watch Network, and consumer protection websites. Reporting scams promptly to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies is also crucial in preventing further victimization.
“Taking those preventative measures to educate yourself and to check out organizations before you provide your hard-earned money is important,” said Conroy.
Conroy shares how con artists cultivate online relationships using fake profiles and photos, eventually asking for money under various pretenses. Thomas tells an alarming story about a Georgia woman who lost $40,000 to a man she trusted, which demonstrates that these scams can occur both online and in person.
They explain how scammers use real photos and details of properties to create fake rental or home-buying opportunities to carryout real estate fraud. These scams can lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress.
Do not miss this crucial conversation in order to equip yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself against scams by tuning in to the full episode.
Catch ‘Nothing But a Number’ on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and stay informed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
#ScamAwareness #AARPGeorgia #ConsumerProtection #FraudPrevention #RomanceScams #ImposterScams #HomeBuyingScams #RentalScams #Podcast #CommunityAwareness
AARP Events for Augusta
AARP Events for Augusta
-
Walk and Roll: Advocating for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. ET
Zoom
Online Event
-
Holiday Healing: Tools to Help Overcome Social Isolation
Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET
Facebook
Online Event
-
Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series
Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET
Zoom
Online Event
Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal
- Immediate access to your member benefits
- Discounts on travel and everyday savings
- Subscription to AARP The Magazine
- FREE second membership
Join AARP
Already a member? Renew or
Print Card
Contact AARP
in Augusta
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?><?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (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">'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b0/12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a/shawn-conroy.JPG" alt="Shawn Conroy.JPG" width="1782" height="991" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><b><i>ATLANTA, Georgia— </i></b>In our latest episode of ‘<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@aarpgeorgiaofficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nothing But a Number</a></span></span>,’ a podcast presented by <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Georgia</a></span></span>, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, interviews <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/learn-spot-fraud-sea-of-scams" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shawn Conroy</a></span></span>, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, to peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians today.<br><br>Conroy highlights the alarming prevalence of imposter scams, where criminals pose as trusted figures such as utility company representatives, government officials, or even local law enforcement. These scams often involve urgent requests for money to resolve pseudo imminent issues.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE0g1Q04ae4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>[WATCH the latest podcast episode with the full interview here]</b></a></span></span><br><br>Both experts emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any transaction, using resources like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span>, and consumer protection websites. Reporting scams promptly to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies is also crucial in preventing further victimization.<br><br>“Taking those preventative measures to educate yourself and to check out organizations before you provide your hard-earned money is important,” said Conroy.<br><br>Conroy shares how con artists cultivate online relationships using fake profiles and photos, eventually asking for money under various pretenses. Thomas tells an alarming story about a Georgia woman who lost $40,000 to a man she trusted, which demonstrates that these scams can occur both online and in person.<br><br>They explain how scammers use real photos and details of properties to create fake rental or home-buying opportunities to carryout real estate fraud. These scams can lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress.<br><br>Do not miss this crucial conversation in order to equip yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself against scams by tuning in to the full episode.<br><br>Catch ‘Nothing But a Number’ on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and stay informed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.<br><br>#ScamAwareness #AARPGeorgia #ConsumerProtection #FraudPrevention #RomanceScams #ImposterScams #HomeBuyingScams #RentalScams #Podcast #CommunityAwareness</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/walk-and-roll-advocating-for-pedestrians-and-cyclists-in-communities-across-maine-fcndq8hr4vk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-WALK-AND-ROLL-ADVOCATING-FOR-PEDESTRIANS-AND-CYCLISTS">Walk and Roll: Advocating for Pedestrians and Cyclists</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-holiday-healing-tools-for-seniors-to-overcome-isolation-112124-virtual-ljnyqcqg8cb.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HEALING-TOOLS-TO-HELP-OVERCOME-SOCIAL-ISOLATION">Holiday Healing: Tools to Help Overcome Social Isolation</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/augusta-ga/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-AUGUSTA-GA">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-AUGUSTA-GA">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 Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" 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/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Augusta</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:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@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/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</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/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-AUGUSTA-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpgeorgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="ATLANTA, Georgia— In our latest episode of ‘Nothing But a Number,’ a podcast presented by AARP Georgia, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior" name="description"/> <meta content="Am, I, Being, Scammed, Key, Indicators, of, Popular, Fraud, Schemes, in, Georgia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia-ga-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.JPG"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.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">'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b0/12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a/shawn-conroy.JPG" alt="Shawn Conroy.JPG" width="1782" height="991" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><b><i>ATLANTA, Georgia— </i></b>In our latest episode of ‘<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@aarpgeorgiaofficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nothing But a Number</a></span></span>,’ a podcast presented by <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Georgia</a></span></span>, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, interviews <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/learn-spot-fraud-sea-of-scams" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shawn Conroy</a></span></span>, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, to peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians today.<br><br>Conroy highlights the alarming prevalence of imposter scams, where criminals pose as trusted figures such as utility company representatives, government officials, or even local law enforcement. These scams often involve urgent requests for money to resolve pseudo imminent issues.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE0g1Q04ae4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>[WATCH the latest podcast episode with the full interview here]</b></a></span></span><br><br>Both experts emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any transaction, using resources like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span>, and consumer protection websites. Reporting scams promptly to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies is also crucial in preventing further victimization.<br><br>“Taking those preventative measures to educate yourself and to check out organizations before you provide your hard-earned money is important,” said Conroy.<br><br>Conroy shares how con artists cultivate online relationships using fake profiles and photos, eventually asking for money under various pretenses. Thomas tells an alarming story about a Georgia woman who lost $40,000 to a man she trusted, which demonstrates that these scams can occur both online and in person.<br><br>They explain how scammers use real photos and details of properties to create fake rental or home-buying opportunities to carryout real estate fraud. These scams can lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress.<br><br>Do not miss this crucial conversation in order to equip yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself against scams by tuning in to the full episode.<br><br>Catch ‘Nothing But a Number’ on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and stay informed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.<br><br>#ScamAwareness #AARPGeorgia #ConsumerProtection #FraudPrevention #RomanceScams #ImposterScams #HomeBuyingScams #RentalScams #Podcast #CommunityAwareness</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/walk-and-roll-advocating-for-pedestrians-and-cyclists-in-communities-across-maine-fcndq8hr4vk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-WALK-AND-ROLL-ADVOCATING-FOR-PEDESTRIANS-AND-CYCLISTS">Walk and Roll: Advocating for Pedestrians and Cyclists</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-holiday-healing-tools-for-seniors-to-overcome-isolation-112124-virtual-ljnyqcqg8cb.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HEALING-TOOLS-TO-HELP-OVERCOME-SOCIAL-ISOLATION">Holiday Healing: Tools to Help Overcome Social Isolation</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/augusta-ga/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-AUGUSTA-GA">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-AUGUSTA-GA">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 Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" 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/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Augusta</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:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@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/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</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/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-AUGUSTA-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpgeorgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="ATLANTA, Georgia— In our latest episode of ‘Nothing But a Number,’ a podcast presented by AARP Georgia, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior" name="description"/> <meta content="Am, I, Being, Scammed, Key, Indicators, of, Popular, Fraud, Schemes, in, Georgia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia-ga-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.JPG"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.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 = '<span class="highlighting">Highlighting Augusta </span>' $location = '<a href="/augusta-ga/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Augusta-Richmond, GA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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 TBDinclude (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">'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b0/12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a/shawn-conroy.JPG" alt="Shawn Conroy.JPG" width="1782" height="991" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><b><i>ATLANTA, Georgia— </i></b>In our latest episode of ‘<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@aarpgeorgiaofficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nothing But a Number</a></span></span>,’ a podcast presented by <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Georgia</a></span></span>, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, interviews <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/learn-spot-fraud-sea-of-scams" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shawn Conroy</a></span></span>, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, to peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians today.<br><br>Conroy highlights the alarming prevalence of imposter scams, where criminals pose as trusted figures such as utility company representatives, government officials, or even local law enforcement. These scams often involve urgent requests for money to resolve pseudo imminent issues.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE0g1Q04ae4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>[WATCH the latest podcast episode with the full interview here]</b></a></span></span><br><br>Both experts emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any transaction, using resources like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span>, and consumer protection websites. Reporting scams promptly to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies is also crucial in preventing further victimization.<br><br>“Taking those preventative measures to educate yourself and to check out organizations before you provide your hard-earned money is important,” said Conroy.<br><br>Conroy shares how con artists cultivate online relationships using fake profiles and photos, eventually asking for money under various pretenses. Thomas tells an alarming story about a Georgia woman who lost $40,000 to a man she trusted, which demonstrates that these scams can occur both online and in person.<br><br>They explain how scammers use real photos and details of properties to create fake rental or home-buying opportunities to carryout real estate fraud. These scams can lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress.<br><br>Do not miss this crucial conversation in order to equip yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself against scams by tuning in to the full episode.<br><br>Catch ‘Nothing But a Number’ on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and stay informed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.<br><br>#ScamAwareness #AARPGeorgia #ConsumerProtection #FraudPrevention #RomanceScams #ImposterScams #HomeBuyingScams #RentalScams #Podcast #CommunityAwareness</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/walk-and-roll-advocating-for-pedestrians-and-cyclists-in-communities-across-maine-fcndq8hr4vk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-WALK-AND-ROLL-ADVOCATING-FOR-PEDESTRIANS-AND-CYCLISTS">Walk and Roll: Advocating for Pedestrians and Cyclists</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-holiday-healing-tools-for-seniors-to-overcome-isolation-112124-virtual-ljnyqcqg8cb.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HEALING-TOOLS-TO-HELP-OVERCOME-SOCIAL-ISOLATION">Holiday Healing: Tools to Help Overcome Social Isolation</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/augusta-ga/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-AUGUSTA-GA">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-AUGUSTA-GA">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 Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" 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/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Augusta</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:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@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/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</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/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-AUGUSTA-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpgeorgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="ATLANTA, Georgia— In our latest episode of ‘Nothing But a Number,’ a podcast presented by AARP Georgia, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior" name="description"/> <meta content="Am, I, Being, Scammed, Key, Indicators, of, Popular, Fraud, Schemes, in, Georgia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia-ga-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.JPG"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.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">'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b0/12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a/shawn-conroy.JPG" alt="Shawn Conroy.JPG" width="1782" height="991" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><b><i>ATLANTA, Georgia— </i></b>In our latest episode of ‘<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@aarpgeorgiaofficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nothing But a Number</a></span></span>,’ a podcast presented by <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Georgia</a></span></span>, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, interviews <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/learn-spot-fraud-sea-of-scams" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shawn Conroy</a></span></span>, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, to peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians today.<br><br>Conroy highlights the alarming prevalence of imposter scams, where criminals pose as trusted figures such as utility company representatives, government officials, or even local law enforcement. These scams often involve urgent requests for money to resolve pseudo imminent issues.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE0g1Q04ae4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>[WATCH the latest podcast episode with the full interview here]</b></a></span></span><br><br>Both experts emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any transaction, using resources like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span>, and consumer protection websites. Reporting scams promptly to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies is also crucial in preventing further victimization.<br><br>“Taking those preventative measures to educate yourself and to check out organizations before you provide your hard-earned money is important,” said Conroy.<br><br>Conroy shares how con artists cultivate online relationships using fake profiles and photos, eventually asking for money under various pretenses. Thomas tells an alarming story about a Georgia woman who lost $40,000 to a man she trusted, which demonstrates that these scams can occur both online and in person.<br><br>They explain how scammers use real photos and details of properties to create fake rental or home-buying opportunities to carryout real estate fraud. These scams can lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress.<br><br>Do not miss this crucial conversation in order to equip yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself against scams by tuning in to the full episode.<br><br>Catch ‘Nothing But a Number’ on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and stay informed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.<br><br>#ScamAwareness #AARPGeorgia #ConsumerProtection #FraudPrevention #RomanceScams #ImposterScams #HomeBuyingScams #RentalScams #Podcast #CommunityAwareness</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/walk-and-roll-advocating-for-pedestrians-and-cyclists-in-communities-across-maine-fcndq8hr4vk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-WALK-AND-ROLL-ADVOCATING-FOR-PEDESTRIANS-AND-CYCLISTS">Walk and Roll: Advocating for Pedestrians and Cyclists</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-holiday-healing-tools-for-seniors-to-overcome-isolation-112124-virtual-ljnyqcqg8cb.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HEALING-TOOLS-TO-HELP-OVERCOME-SOCIAL-ISOLATION">Holiday Healing: Tools to Help Overcome Social Isolation</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/augusta-ga/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-AUGUSTA-GA">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-AUGUSTA-GA">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 Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" 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/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Augusta</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:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@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/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</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/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-AUGUSTA-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpgeorgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="ATLANTA, Georgia— In our latest episode of ‘Nothing But a Number,’ a podcast presented by AARP Georgia, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior" name="description"/> <meta content="Am, I, Being, Scammed, Key, Indicators, of, Popular, Fraud, Schemes, in, Georgia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia-ga-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.JPG"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.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 = '<span class="highlighting">Highlighting Augusta </span>' $location = '<a href="/augusta-ga/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Augusta-Richmond, GA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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 TBDinclude (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">'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b0/12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a/shawn-conroy.JPG" alt="Shawn Conroy.JPG" width="1782" height="991" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><b><i>ATLANTA, Georgia— </i></b>In our latest episode of ‘<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@aarpgeorgiaofficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nothing But a Number</a></span></span>,’ a podcast presented by <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Georgia</a></span></span>, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, interviews <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/learn-spot-fraud-sea-of-scams" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shawn Conroy</a></span></span>, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, to peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians today.<br><br>Conroy highlights the alarming prevalence of imposter scams, where criminals pose as trusted figures such as utility company representatives, government officials, or even local law enforcement. These scams often involve urgent requests for money to resolve pseudo imminent issues.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE0g1Q04ae4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>[WATCH the latest podcast episode with the full interview here]</b></a></span></span><br><br>Both experts emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any transaction, using resources like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span>, and consumer protection websites. Reporting scams promptly to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies is also crucial in preventing further victimization.<br><br>“Taking those preventative measures to educate yourself and to check out organizations before you provide your hard-earned money is important,” said Conroy.<br><br>Conroy shares how con artists cultivate online relationships using fake profiles and photos, eventually asking for money under various pretenses. Thomas tells an alarming story about a Georgia woman who lost $40,000 to a man she trusted, which demonstrates that these scams can occur both online and in person.<br><br>They explain how scammers use real photos and details of properties to create fake rental or home-buying opportunities to carryout real estate fraud. These scams can lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress.<br><br>Do not miss this crucial conversation in order to equip yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself against scams by tuning in to the full episode.<br><br>Catch ‘Nothing But a Number’ on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and stay informed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.<br><br>#ScamAwareness #AARPGeorgia #ConsumerProtection #FraudPrevention #RomanceScams #ImposterScams #HomeBuyingScams #RentalScams #Podcast #CommunityAwareness</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/walk-and-roll-advocating-for-pedestrians-and-cyclists-in-communities-across-maine-fcndq8hr4vk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-WALK-AND-ROLL-ADVOCATING-FOR-PEDESTRIANS-AND-CYCLISTS">Walk and Roll: Advocating for Pedestrians and Cyclists</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-holiday-healing-tools-for-seniors-to-overcome-isolation-112124-virtual-ljnyqcqg8cb.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HEALING-TOOLS-TO-HELP-OVERCOME-SOCIAL-ISOLATION">Holiday Healing: Tools to Help Overcome Social Isolation</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/augusta-ga/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-AUGUSTA-GA">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-AUGUSTA-GA">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 Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" 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/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Augusta</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:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@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/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</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/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-AUGUSTA-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpgeorgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="ATLANTA, Georgia— In our latest episode of ‘Nothing But a Number,’ a podcast presented by AARP Georgia, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior" name="description"/> <meta content="Am, I, Being, Scammed, Key, Indicators, of, Popular, Fraud, Schemes, in, Georgia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia-ga-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.JPG"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.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">'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b0/12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a/shawn-conroy.JPG" alt="Shawn Conroy.JPG" width="1782" height="991" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><b><i>ATLANTA, Georgia— </i></b>In our latest episode of ‘<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@aarpgeorgiaofficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nothing But a Number</a></span></span>,’ a podcast presented by <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Georgia</a></span></span>, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, interviews <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/learn-spot-fraud-sea-of-scams" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shawn Conroy</a></span></span>, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, to peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians today.<br><br>Conroy highlights the alarming prevalence of imposter scams, where criminals pose as trusted figures such as utility company representatives, government officials, or even local law enforcement. These scams often involve urgent requests for money to resolve pseudo imminent issues.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE0g1Q04ae4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>[WATCH the latest podcast episode with the full interview here]</b></a></span></span><br><br>Both experts emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any transaction, using resources like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span>, and consumer protection websites. Reporting scams promptly to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies is also crucial in preventing further victimization.<br><br>“Taking those preventative measures to educate yourself and to check out organizations before you provide your hard-earned money is important,” said Conroy.<br><br>Conroy shares how con artists cultivate online relationships using fake profiles and photos, eventually asking for money under various pretenses. Thomas tells an alarming story about a Georgia woman who lost $40,000 to a man she trusted, which demonstrates that these scams can occur both online and in person.<br><br>They explain how scammers use real photos and details of properties to create fake rental or home-buying opportunities to carryout real estate fraud. These scams can lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress.<br><br>Do not miss this crucial conversation in order to equip yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself against scams by tuning in to the full episode.<br><br>Catch ‘Nothing But a Number’ on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and stay informed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.<br><br>#ScamAwareness #AARPGeorgia #ConsumerProtection #FraudPrevention #RomanceScams #ImposterScams #HomeBuyingScams #RentalScams #Podcast #CommunityAwareness</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/walk-and-roll-advocating-for-pedestrians-and-cyclists-in-communities-across-maine-fcndq8hr4vk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-WALK-AND-ROLL-ADVOCATING-FOR-PEDESTRIANS-AND-CYCLISTS">Walk and Roll: Advocating for Pedestrians and Cyclists</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-holiday-healing-tools-for-seniors-to-overcome-isolation-112124-virtual-ljnyqcqg8cb.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HEALING-TOOLS-TO-HELP-OVERCOME-SOCIAL-ISOLATION">Holiday Healing: Tools to Help Overcome Social Isolation</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/augusta-ga/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-AUGUSTA-GA">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-AUGUSTA-GA">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 Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" 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/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Augusta</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:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@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/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</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/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-AUGUSTA-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpgeorgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="ATLANTA, Georgia— In our latest episode of ‘Nothing But a Number,’ a podcast presented by AARP Georgia, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior" name="description"/> <meta content="Am, I, Being, Scammed, Key, Indicators, of, Popular, Fraud, Schemes, in, Georgia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia-ga-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.JPG"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.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 = '<span class="highlighting">Highlighting Augusta </span>' $location = '<a href="/augusta-ga/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Augusta-Richmond, GA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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 TBDinclude (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">'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b0/12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a/shawn-conroy.JPG" alt="Shawn Conroy.JPG" width="1782" height="991" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><b><i>ATLANTA, Georgia— </i></b>In our latest episode of ‘<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@aarpgeorgiaofficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nothing But a Number</a></span></span>,’ a podcast presented by <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Georgia</a></span></span>, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, interviews <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/learn-spot-fraud-sea-of-scams" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shawn Conroy</a></span></span>, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, to peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians today.<br><br>Conroy highlights the alarming prevalence of imposter scams, where criminals pose as trusted figures such as utility company representatives, government officials, or even local law enforcement. These scams often involve urgent requests for money to resolve pseudo imminent issues.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE0g1Q04ae4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>[WATCH the latest podcast episode with the full interview here]</b></a></span></span><br><br>Both experts emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any transaction, using resources like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span>, and consumer protection websites. Reporting scams promptly to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies is also crucial in preventing further victimization.<br><br>“Taking those preventative measures to educate yourself and to check out organizations before you provide your hard-earned money is important,” said Conroy.<br><br>Conroy shares how con artists cultivate online relationships using fake profiles and photos, eventually asking for money under various pretenses. Thomas tells an alarming story about a Georgia woman who lost $40,000 to a man she trusted, which demonstrates that these scams can occur both online and in person.<br><br>They explain how scammers use real photos and details of properties to create fake rental or home-buying opportunities to carryout real estate fraud. These scams can lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress.<br><br>Do not miss this crucial conversation in order to equip yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself against scams by tuning in to the full episode.<br><br>Catch ‘Nothing But a Number’ on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and stay informed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.<br><br>#ScamAwareness #AARPGeorgia #ConsumerProtection #FraudPrevention #RomanceScams #ImposterScams #HomeBuyingScams #RentalScams #Podcast #CommunityAwareness</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/walk-and-roll-advocating-for-pedestrians-and-cyclists-in-communities-across-maine-fcndq8hr4vk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-WALK-AND-ROLL-ADVOCATING-FOR-PEDESTRIANS-AND-CYCLISTS">Walk and Roll: Advocating for Pedestrians and Cyclists</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-holiday-healing-tools-for-seniors-to-overcome-isolation-112124-virtual-ljnyqcqg8cb.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HEALING-TOOLS-TO-HELP-OVERCOME-SOCIAL-ISOLATION">Holiday Healing: Tools to Help Overcome Social Isolation</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/augusta-ga/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-AUGUSTA-GA">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-AUGUSTA-GA">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 Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" 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/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Augusta</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:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@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/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</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/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-AUGUSTA-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpgeorgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="ATLANTA, Georgia— In our latest episode of ‘Nothing But a Number,’ a podcast presented by AARP Georgia, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior" name="description"/> <meta content="Am, I, Being, Scammed, Key, Indicators, of, Popular, Fraud, Schemes, in, Georgia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia-ga-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.JPG"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.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">'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b0/12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a/shawn-conroy.JPG" alt="Shawn Conroy.JPG" width="1782" height="991" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><b><i>ATLANTA, Georgia— </i></b>In our latest episode of ‘<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@aarpgeorgiaofficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nothing But a Number</a></span></span>,’ a podcast presented by <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Georgia</a></span></span>, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, interviews <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/learn-spot-fraud-sea-of-scams" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shawn Conroy</a></span></span>, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, to peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians today.<br><br>Conroy highlights the alarming prevalence of imposter scams, where criminals pose as trusted figures such as utility company representatives, government officials, or even local law enforcement. These scams often involve urgent requests for money to resolve pseudo imminent issues.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE0g1Q04ae4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>[WATCH the latest podcast episode with the full interview here]</b></a></span></span><br><br>Both experts emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any transaction, using resources like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span>, and consumer protection websites. Reporting scams promptly to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies is also crucial in preventing further victimization.<br><br>“Taking those preventative measures to educate yourself and to check out organizations before you provide your hard-earned money is important,” said Conroy.<br><br>Conroy shares how con artists cultivate online relationships using fake profiles and photos, eventually asking for money under various pretenses. Thomas tells an alarming story about a Georgia woman who lost $40,000 to a man she trusted, which demonstrates that these scams can occur both online and in person.<br><br>They explain how scammers use real photos and details of properties to create fake rental or home-buying opportunities to carryout real estate fraud. These scams can lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress.<br><br>Do not miss this crucial conversation in order to equip yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself against scams by tuning in to the full episode.<br><br>Catch ‘Nothing But a Number’ on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and stay informed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.<br><br>#ScamAwareness #AARPGeorgia #ConsumerProtection #FraudPrevention #RomanceScams #ImposterScams #HomeBuyingScams #RentalScams #Podcast #CommunityAwareness</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/walk-and-roll-advocating-for-pedestrians-and-cyclists-in-communities-across-maine-fcndq8hr4vk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-WALK-AND-ROLL-ADVOCATING-FOR-PEDESTRIANS-AND-CYCLISTS">Walk and Roll: Advocating for Pedestrians and Cyclists</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-holiday-healing-tools-for-seniors-to-overcome-isolation-112124-virtual-ljnyqcqg8cb.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HEALING-TOOLS-TO-HELP-OVERCOME-SOCIAL-ISOLATION">Holiday Healing: Tools to Help Overcome Social Isolation</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/augusta-ga/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-AUGUSTA-GA">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-AUGUSTA-GA">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 Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" 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/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Augusta</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:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@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/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</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/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-AUGUSTA-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpgeorgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="ATLANTA, Georgia— In our latest episode of ‘Nothing But a Number,’ a podcast presented by AARP Georgia, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior" name="description"/> <meta content="Am, I, Being, Scammed, Key, Indicators, of, Popular, Fraud, Schemes, in, Georgia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia-ga-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.JPG"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.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 = '<span class="highlighting">Highlighting Augusta </span>' $location = '<a href="/augusta-ga/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Augusta-Richmond, GA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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">'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b0/12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a/shawn-conroy.JPG" alt="Shawn Conroy.JPG" width="1782" height="991" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><b><i>ATLANTA, Georgia— </i></b>In our latest episode of ‘<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@aarpgeorgiaofficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nothing But a Number</a></span></span>,’ a podcast presented by <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Georgia</a></span></span>, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, interviews <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/learn-spot-fraud-sea-of-scams" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shawn Conroy</a></span></span>, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, to peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians today.<br><br>Conroy highlights the alarming prevalence of imposter scams, where criminals pose as trusted figures such as utility company representatives, government officials, or even local law enforcement. These scams often involve urgent requests for money to resolve pseudo imminent issues.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE0g1Q04ae4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>[WATCH the latest podcast episode with the full interview here]</b></a></span></span><br><br>Both experts emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any transaction, using resources like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span>, and consumer protection websites. Reporting scams promptly to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies is also crucial in preventing further victimization.<br><br>“Taking those preventative measures to educate yourself and to check out organizations before you provide your hard-earned money is important,” said Conroy.<br><br>Conroy shares how con artists cultivate online relationships using fake profiles and photos, eventually asking for money under various pretenses. Thomas tells an alarming story about a Georgia woman who lost $40,000 to a man she trusted, which demonstrates that these scams can occur both online and in person.<br><br>They explain how scammers use real photos and details of properties to create fake rental or home-buying opportunities to carryout real estate fraud. These scams can lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress.<br><br>Do not miss this crucial conversation in order to equip yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself against scams by tuning in to the full episode.<br><br>Catch ‘Nothing But a Number’ on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and stay informed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.<br><br>#ScamAwareness #AARPGeorgia #ConsumerProtection #FraudPrevention #RomanceScams #ImposterScams #HomeBuyingScams #RentalScams #Podcast #CommunityAwareness</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/walk-and-roll-advocating-for-pedestrians-and-cyclists-in-communities-across-maine-fcndq8hr4vk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-WALK-AND-ROLL-ADVOCATING-FOR-PEDESTRIANS-AND-CYCLISTS">Walk and Roll: Advocating for Pedestrians and Cyclists</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-holiday-healing-tools-for-seniors-to-overcome-isolation-112124-virtual-ljnyqcqg8cb.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HEALING-TOOLS-TO-HELP-OVERCOME-SOCIAL-ISOLATION">Holiday Healing: Tools to Help Overcome Social Isolation</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/augusta-ga/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-AUGUSTA-GA">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-AUGUSTA-GA">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 Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" 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/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Augusta</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:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@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/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</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/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-AUGUSTA-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpgeorgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="ATLANTA, Georgia— In our latest episode of ‘Nothing But a Number,’ a podcast presented by AARP Georgia, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior" name="description"/> <meta content="Am, I, Being, Scammed, Key, Indicators, of, Popular, Fraud, Schemes, in, Georgia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia-ga-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.JPG"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.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">'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b0/12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a/shawn-conroy.JPG" alt="Shawn Conroy.JPG" width="1782" height="991" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><b><i>ATLANTA, Georgia— </i></b>In our latest episode of ‘<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@aarpgeorgiaofficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nothing But a Number</a></span></span>,’ a podcast presented by <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Georgia</a></span></span>, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, interviews <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/learn-spot-fraud-sea-of-scams" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shawn Conroy</a></span></span>, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, to peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians today.<br><br>Conroy highlights the alarming prevalence of imposter scams, where criminals pose as trusted figures such as utility company representatives, government officials, or even local law enforcement. These scams often involve urgent requests for money to resolve pseudo imminent issues.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE0g1Q04ae4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>[WATCH the latest podcast episode with the full interview here]</b></a></span></span><br><br>Both experts emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any transaction, using resources like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span>, and consumer protection websites. Reporting scams promptly to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies is also crucial in preventing further victimization.<br><br>“Taking those preventative measures to educate yourself and to check out organizations before you provide your hard-earned money is important,” said Conroy.<br><br>Conroy shares how con artists cultivate online relationships using fake profiles and photos, eventually asking for money under various pretenses. Thomas tells an alarming story about a Georgia woman who lost $40,000 to a man she trusted, which demonstrates that these scams can occur both online and in person.<br><br>They explain how scammers use real photos and details of properties to create fake rental or home-buying opportunities to carryout real estate fraud. These scams can lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress.<br><br>Do not miss this crucial conversation in order to equip yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself against scams by tuning in to the full episode.<br><br>Catch ‘Nothing But a Number’ on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and stay informed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.<br><br>#ScamAwareness #AARPGeorgia #ConsumerProtection #FraudPrevention #RomanceScams #ImposterScams #HomeBuyingScams #RentalScams #Podcast #CommunityAwareness</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/walk-and-roll-advocating-for-pedestrians-and-cyclists-in-communities-across-maine-fcndq8hr4vk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-WALK-AND-ROLL-ADVOCATING-FOR-PEDESTRIANS-AND-CYCLISTS">Walk and Roll: Advocating for Pedestrians and Cyclists</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-holiday-healing-tools-for-seniors-to-overcome-isolation-112124-virtual-ljnyqcqg8cb.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HEALING-TOOLS-TO-HELP-OVERCOME-SOCIAL-ISOLATION">Holiday Healing: Tools to Help Overcome Social Isolation</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/augusta-ga/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-AUGUSTA-GA">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-AUGUSTA-GA">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 Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" 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/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Augusta</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:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@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/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</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/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-AUGUSTA-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpgeorgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="ATLANTA, Georgia— In our latest episode of ‘Nothing But a Number,’ a podcast presented by AARP Georgia, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior" name="description"/> <meta content="Am, I, Being, Scammed, Key, Indicators, of, Popular, Fraud, Schemes, in, Georgia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia-ga-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.JPG"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.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 = '<span class="highlighting">Highlighting Augusta </span>' $location = '<a href="/augusta-ga/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Augusta-Richmond, GA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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">'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b0/12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a/shawn-conroy.JPG" alt="Shawn Conroy.JPG" width="1782" height="991" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><b><i>ATLANTA, Georgia— </i></b>In our latest episode of ‘<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@aarpgeorgiaofficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nothing But a Number</a></span></span>,’ a podcast presented by <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Georgia</a></span></span>, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, interviews <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/learn-spot-fraud-sea-of-scams" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shawn Conroy</a></span></span>, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, to peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians today.<br><br>Conroy highlights the alarming prevalence of imposter scams, where criminals pose as trusted figures such as utility company representatives, government officials, or even local law enforcement. These scams often involve urgent requests for money to resolve pseudo imminent issues.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE0g1Q04ae4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>[WATCH the latest podcast episode with the full interview here]</b></a></span></span><br><br>Both experts emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any transaction, using resources like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span>, and consumer protection websites. Reporting scams promptly to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies is also crucial in preventing further victimization.<br><br>“Taking those preventative measures to educate yourself and to check out organizations before you provide your hard-earned money is important,” said Conroy.<br><br>Conroy shares how con artists cultivate online relationships using fake profiles and photos, eventually asking for money under various pretenses. Thomas tells an alarming story about a Georgia woman who lost $40,000 to a man she trusted, which demonstrates that these scams can occur both online and in person.<br><br>They explain how scammers use real photos and details of properties to create fake rental or home-buying opportunities to carryout real estate fraud. These scams can lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress.<br><br>Do not miss this crucial conversation in order to equip yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself against scams by tuning in to the full episode.<br><br>Catch ‘Nothing But a Number’ on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and stay informed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.<br><br>#ScamAwareness #AARPGeorgia #ConsumerProtection #FraudPrevention #RomanceScams #ImposterScams #HomeBuyingScams #RentalScams #Podcast #CommunityAwareness</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/walk-and-roll-advocating-for-pedestrians-and-cyclists-in-communities-across-maine-fcndq8hr4vk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-WALK-AND-ROLL-ADVOCATING-FOR-PEDESTRIANS-AND-CYCLISTS">Walk and Roll: Advocating for Pedestrians and Cyclists</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-holiday-healing-tools-for-seniors-to-overcome-isolation-112124-virtual-ljnyqcqg8cb.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HEALING-TOOLS-TO-HELP-OVERCOME-SOCIAL-ISOLATION">Holiday Healing: Tools to Help Overcome Social Isolation</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/augusta-ga/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-AUGUSTA-GA">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-AUGUSTA-GA">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 Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" 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/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Augusta</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:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@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/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</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/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-AUGUSTA-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpgeorgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="ATLANTA, Georgia— In our latest episode of ‘Nothing But a Number,’ a podcast presented by AARP Georgia, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior" name="description"/> <meta content="Am, I, Being, Scammed, Key, Indicators, of, Popular, Fraud, Schemes, in, Georgia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia-ga-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.JPG"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.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">'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b0/12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a/shawn-conroy.JPG" alt="Shawn Conroy.JPG" width="1782" height="991" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><b><i>ATLANTA, Georgia— </i></b>In our latest episode of ‘<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@aarpgeorgiaofficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nothing But a Number</a></span></span>,’ a podcast presented by <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Georgia</a></span></span>, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach, interviews <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/learn-spot-fraud-sea-of-scams" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shawn Conroy</a></span></span>, Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, to peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians today.<br><br>Conroy highlights the alarming prevalence of imposter scams, where criminals pose as trusted figures such as utility company representatives, government officials, or even local law enforcement. These scams often involve urgent requests for money to resolve pseudo imminent issues.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE0g1Q04ae4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>[WATCH the latest podcast episode with the full interview here]</b></a></span></span><br><br>Both experts emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any transaction, using resources like the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Better Business Bureau</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span>, and consumer protection websites. Reporting scams promptly to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies is also crucial in preventing further victimization.<br><br>“Taking those preventative measures to educate yourself and to check out organizations before you provide your hard-earned money is important,” said Conroy.<br><br>Conroy shares how con artists cultivate online relationships using fake profiles and photos, eventually asking for money under various pretenses. Thomas tells an alarming story about a Georgia woman who lost $40,000 to a man she trusted, which demonstrates that these scams can occur both online and in person.<br><br>They explain how scammers use real photos and details of properties to create fake rental or home-buying opportunities to carryout real estate fraud. These scams can lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress.<br><br>Do not miss this crucial conversation in order to equip yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself against scams by tuning in to the full episode.<br><br>Catch ‘Nothing But a Number’ on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and stay informed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.<br><br>#ScamAwareness #AARPGeorgia #ConsumerProtection #FraudPrevention #RomanceScams #ImposterScams #HomeBuyingScams #RentalScams #Podcast #CommunityAwareness</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Augusta</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/walk-and-roll-advocating-for-pedestrians-and-cyclists-in-communities-across-maine-fcndq8hr4vk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-WALK-AND-ROLL-ADVOCATING-FOR-PEDESTRIANS-AND-CYCLISTS">Walk and Roll: Advocating for Pedestrians and Cyclists</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-holiday-healing-tools-for-seniors-to-overcome-isolation-112124-virtual-ljnyqcqg8cb.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HEALING-TOOLS-TO-HELP-OVERCOME-SOCIAL-ISOLATION">Holiday Healing: Tools to Help Overcome Social Isolation</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-low-impact-cardiostrength-training-class-online-co-1031-12122024-28n3l8vmx3d.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LOW-IMPACT-CARDIOSTRENGTH-BUILDING-SERIES">Low Impact Cardio/Strength Building Series</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/augusta-ga/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-AUGUSTA-GA">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-AUGUSTA-GA">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 Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" 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/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Augusta</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:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@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/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</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/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-AUGUSTA-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpgeorgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="ATLANTA, Georgia— In our latest episode of ‘Nothing But a Number,’ a podcast presented by AARP Georgia, Hillary Williams Thomas, the Senior" name="description"/> <meta content="Am, I, Being, Scammed, Key, Indicators, of, Popular, Fraud, Schemes, in, Georgia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/am-i-being-scammed-key-indicators-of-popular-fraud-schemes-in-georgia-ga-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.JPG"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="'Am I Being Scammed?' Key Indicators of Popular Fraud Schemes in Georgia"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In this podcast episode, we peel back the layers of some of the most prevalent scams targeting older Georgians."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f2c92b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1542x991+120+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fb9%2Fb0%2F12529e0c4cb0bf59f14834f9fd2a%2Fshawn-conroy.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 = '<span class="highlighting">Highlighting Augusta </span>' $location = '<a href="/augusta-ga/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Augusta-Richmond, GA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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="/augusta-ga/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