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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anaconda woman becomes AARP Montana Fraud Ambassador to help others after scammers wipe out her savings</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/26/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>AARP Montana Profiles in Caring Spotlight: Susan Bivins</b></h3></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c8/33/c1f93c0d4ca19c749e7cb22fdc98/profiles-in-caring-logo.png" alt="Profiles in Caring Logo.png" width="1011" height="1000" style="height: auto; max-width: 330px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Susan Bivins cares about other people. After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anaconda woman becomes AARP Montana Fraud Ambassador to help others after scammers wipe out her savings</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/26/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>AARP Montana Profiles in Caring Spotlight: Susan Bivins</b></h3></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c8/33/c1f93c0d4ca19c749e7cb22fdc98/profiles-in-caring-logo.png" alt="Profiles in Caring Logo.png" width="1011" height="1000" style="height: auto; max-width: 330px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Susan Bivins cares about other people. After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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} [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="/farmingville-ny/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="/farmingville-ny/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 Farmingville</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Farmingville</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-uniondale-ny-c35285.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-UNIONDALE-HIGH-SCHOOL">AARP Smart Driver™: Uniondale High School</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Apr 1, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Uniondale High School</p> <p class="loc">Uniondale, NY</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-branford-ct-c35505.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CANOE-BROOK-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Canoe Brook Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Canoe Brook Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Branford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-greenlawn-ny-c31790.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-HARBORFIELDS-PUBLIC-LIBRARY">AARP Smart Driver™: Harborfields Public Library</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Harborfields Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Greenlawn, NY</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/farmingville-ny/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;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-FARMINGVILLE-NY">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-FARMINGVILLE-NY">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New York Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New York Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNY" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNY" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNY">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />on Long Island</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:longisland@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">longisland@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-york/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New York</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="http://states.aarp.org/connect-with-aarp-new-york/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-FARMINGVILLE-NY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNY" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNY" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpny/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.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>Anaconda woman becomes AARP Montana Fraud Ambassador to help others after scammers wipe out her savings</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anaconda woman becomes AARP Montana Fraud Ambassador to help others after scammers wipe out her savings"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content=".AARP Montana Profiles in Caring Spotlight: Susan Bivins Susan Bivins cares about other people. 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After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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} [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="/farmingville-ny/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="/farmingville-ny/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 Farmingville</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Farmingville</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-uniondale-ny-c35285.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-UNIONDALE-HIGH-SCHOOL">AARP Smart Driver™: Uniondale High School</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Apr 1, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Uniondale High School</p> <p class="loc">Uniondale, NY</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-branford-ct-c35505.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CANOE-BROOK-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Canoe Brook Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Canoe Brook Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Branford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-greenlawn-ny-c31790.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-HARBORFIELDS-PUBLIC-LIBRARY">AARP Smart Driver™: Harborfields Public Library</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Harborfields Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Greenlawn, NY</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/farmingville-ny/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;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-FARMINGVILLE-NY">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-FARMINGVILLE-NY">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New York Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New York Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNY" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNY" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNY">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />on Long Island</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:longisland@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">longisland@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-york/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New York</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="http://states.aarp.org/connect-with-aarp-new-york/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-FARMINGVILLE-NY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNY" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNY" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpny/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anaconda woman becomes AARP Montana Fraud Ambassador to help others after scammers wipe out her savings</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/26/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>AARP Montana Profiles in Caring Spotlight: Susan Bivins</b></h3></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c8/33/c1f93c0d4ca19c749e7cb22fdc98/profiles-in-caring-logo.png" alt="Profiles in Caring Logo.png" width="1011" height="1000" style="height: auto; max-width: 330px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Susan Bivins cares about other people. After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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="/farmingville-ny/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="/farmingville-ny/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 Farmingville</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Farmingville</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-uniondale-ny-c35285.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-UNIONDALE-HIGH-SCHOOL">AARP Smart Driver™: Uniondale High School</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Apr 1, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Uniondale High School</p> <p class="loc">Uniondale, NY</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-branford-ct-c35505.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CANOE-BROOK-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Canoe Brook Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Canoe Brook Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Branford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-greenlawn-ny-c31790.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-HARBORFIELDS-PUBLIC-LIBRARY">AARP Smart Driver™: Harborfields Public Library</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Harborfields Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Greenlawn, NY</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/farmingville-ny/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;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-FARMINGVILLE-NY">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-FARMINGVILLE-NY">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anaconda woman becomes AARP Montana Fraud Ambassador to help others after scammers wipe out her savings</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/26/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>AARP Montana Profiles in Caring Spotlight: Susan Bivins</b></h3></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c8/33/c1f93c0d4ca19c749e7cb22fdc98/profiles-in-caring-logo.png" alt="Profiles in Caring Logo.png" width="1011" height="1000" style="height: auto; max-width: 330px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Susan Bivins cares about other people. After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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} [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="/farmingville-ny/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="/farmingville-ny/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 Farmingville</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Farmingville</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-uniondale-ny-c35285.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-UNIONDALE-HIGH-SCHOOL">AARP Smart Driver™: Uniondale High School</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Apr 1, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Uniondale High School</p> <p class="loc">Uniondale, NY</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-branford-ct-c35505.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CANOE-BROOK-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Canoe Brook Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Canoe Brook Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Branford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-greenlawn-ny-c31790.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-HARBORFIELDS-PUBLIC-LIBRARY">AARP Smart Driver™: Harborfields Public Library</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Harborfields Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Greenlawn, NY</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/farmingville-ny/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'}); 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After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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Susan Bivins cares about other people. After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.
It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.
However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.
Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.
As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the AARP Perfect Scam podcast.
She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.
Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: MTAARP@aarp.org with details of your request.
This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the AARP Montana page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
Tuesday, Apr 1, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET
Uniondale High School
Uniondale, NY
Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET
Canoe Brook Senior Center
Branford, CT
Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. ET
Harborfields Public Library
Greenlawn, NY
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.
Don't miss out, join today and save!
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anaconda woman becomes AARP Montana Fraud Ambassador to help others after scammers wipe out her savings</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/26/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>AARP Montana Profiles in Caring Spotlight: Susan Bivins</b></h3></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c8/33/c1f93c0d4ca19c749e7cb22fdc98/profiles-in-caring-logo.png" alt="Profiles in Caring Logo.png" width="1011" height="1000" style="height: auto; max-width: 330px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Susan Bivins cares about other people. After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. 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After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anaconda woman becomes AARP Montana Fraud Ambassador to help others after scammers wipe out her savings</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/26/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>AARP Montana Profiles in Caring Spotlight: Susan Bivins</b></h3></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c8/33/c1f93c0d4ca19c749e7cb22fdc98/profiles-in-caring-logo.png" alt="Profiles in Caring Logo.png" width="1011" height="1000" style="height: auto; max-width: 330px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Susan Bivins cares about other people. After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anaconda woman becomes AARP Montana Fraud Ambassador to help others after scammers wipe out her savings</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/26/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>AARP Montana Profiles in Caring Spotlight: Susan Bivins</b></h3></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c8/33/c1f93c0d4ca19c749e7cb22fdc98/profiles-in-caring-logo.png" alt="Profiles in Caring Logo.png" width="1011" height="1000" style="height: auto; max-width: 330px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Susan Bivins cares about other people. After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anaconda woman becomes AARP Montana Fraud Ambassador to help others after scammers wipe out her savings</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/26/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>AARP Montana Profiles in Caring Spotlight: Susan Bivins</b></h3></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c8/33/c1f93c0d4ca19c749e7cb22fdc98/profiles-in-caring-logo.png" alt="Profiles in Caring Logo.png" width="1011" height="1000" style="height: auto; max-width: 330px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Susan Bivins cares about other people. After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anaconda woman becomes AARP Montana Fraud Ambassador to help others after scammers wipe out her savings</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/26/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>AARP Montana Profiles in Caring Spotlight: Susan Bivins</b></h3></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c8/33/c1f93c0d4ca19c749e7cb22fdc98/profiles-in-caring-logo.png" alt="Profiles in Caring Logo.png" width="1011" height="1000" style="height: auto; max-width: 330px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Susan Bivins cares about other people. After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anaconda woman becomes AARP Montana Fraud Ambassador to help others after scammers wipe out her savings</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/26/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>AARP Montana Profiles in Caring Spotlight: Susan Bivins</b></h3></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c8/33/c1f93c0d4ca19c749e7cb22fdc98/profiles-in-caring-logo.png" alt="Profiles in Caring Logo.png" width="1011" height="1000" style="height: auto; max-width: 330px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Susan Bivins cares about other people. After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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After all, she is a retired nurse and spent her entire career caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she is on a mission to help others steer clear of fraud, so they don’t lose their retirement savings – just as she did.<br><br>It all started about three years ago. One day, Susan noticed fraudulent charges on her Amazon account and contacted her bank and Amazon. After disputing the charges, she thought the issue was resolved.<br><br>However, a few weeks later, she received a call from someone claiming to be from Amazon, informing her of more unusual activity. The caller transferred her to a man posing as a DEA agent named Randall Jenkins, who convinced her she was a suspect in a money laundering scheme. Over the course of several weeks, he perpetrated an elaborate and convincing con to manipulate Susan into transferring her savings to a supposed U.S. Treasury secured locker.<br><br>Realizing she had been scammed, Susan contacted law enforcement, but the culprits had already disappeared with her $240,000 retirement savings. She was forced to sell her beloved Victorian house and move to a smaller home.<br><br>As a way to heal and fight back against scammers, Susan decided to speak out in hopes that it will help others. She is working with AARP Montana as a fraud ambassador to educate Montanans on how to avoid being scammed. Susan has given several presentations at conferences, forums and Tele Town Halls to help educate others on how to spot scams and steer clear of criminals. Her story was also featured on the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2023/fake-dea-agent-steals-life-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Perfect Scam podcast</a></span></span>.<br><br>She hopes her experience can help others learn from her mistakes and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.<br><br>Susan is available as a speaker for groups and conferences on fraud prevention. To request Susan as a speaker, send an e-mail to: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span> with details of your request.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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; 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} [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="/farmingville-ny/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="/farmingville-ny/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 Farmingville</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Farmingville</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-uniondale-ny-c35285.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-UNIONDALE-HIGH-SCHOOL">AARP Smart Driver™: Uniondale High School</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Apr 1, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Uniondale High School</p> <p class="loc">Uniondale, NY</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-branford-ct-c35505.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CANOE-BROOK-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Canoe Brook Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Canoe Brook Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Branford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-greenlawn-ny-c31790.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-HARBORFIELDS-PUBLIC-LIBRARY">AARP Smart Driver™: Harborfields Public Library</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Harborfields Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Greenlawn, NY</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/farmingville-ny/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;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-FARMINGVILLE-NY">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-FARMINGVILLE-NY">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New York Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New York Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNY" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNY" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNY">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />on Long Island</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:longisland@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">longisland@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-york/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New York</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="http://states.aarp.org/connect-with-aarp-new-york/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-FARMINGVILLE-NY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNY" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNY" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpny/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.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>Anaconda woman becomes AARP Montana Fraud Ambassador to help others after scammers wipe out her savings</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anaconda woman becomes AARP Montana Fraud Ambassador to help others after scammers wipe out her savings"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content=".AARP Montana Profiles in Caring Spotlight: Susan Bivins Susan Bivins cares about other people. 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