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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">Avoid scams and protect your family from fraud</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/26/21 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Have you ever gotten a suspicious text or phone call from someone needing money or access to your financial information? How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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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="/guest/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="/guest/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 Your Community</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Your Community</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-fitness-a-gentle-workout-with-nia-dallas-tx-11262024-5nnx3n5ltbp.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-A-GENTLE-NIA-WORKOUT">Fitness: A Gentle Nia Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CST</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-al-mindful-movement-session-birmingham-al-112624-qgn4gl5lb5r.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-SESSION">Mindful Movement Workout Session</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CST</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-mindful-movement-for-strength-and-balance-11262024-lmnp84jlt9h.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-YOGA-PILATES-FOR-STRENGTH-AND-BALANCE">Yoga + Pilates for Strength and Balance</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. MST</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/guest/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A--">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--">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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How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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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">Avoid scams and protect your family from fraud</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/26/21 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Have you ever gotten a suspicious text or phone call from someone needing money or access to your financial information? How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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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">Avoid scams and protect your family from fraud</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/26/21 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Have you ever gotten a suspicious text or phone call from someone needing money or access to your financial information? How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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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">Avoid scams and protect your family from fraud</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/26/21 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Have you ever gotten a suspicious text or phone call from someone needing money or access to your financial information? How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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Have you ever gotten a suspicious text or phone call from someone needing money or access to your financial information? How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?
Those are scams!
The AARP Fraud Watch Network is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.
You can sign up for free Watchdog alerts, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our scam-tracking map to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.
AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in your community to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of programs, webinars and workshops on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.
And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more volunteers to help with that too!
Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:
Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.
Learn more at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CST
Zoom and Facebook
Online Event
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CST
Facebook and YouTube
Online Event
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. MST
Zoom
Online Event
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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">Avoid scams and protect your family from fraud</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/26/21 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Have you ever gotten a suspicious text or phone call from someone needing money or access to your financial information? How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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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">Avoid scams and protect your family from fraud</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/26/21 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Have you ever gotten a suspicious text or phone call from someone needing money or access to your financial information? How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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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="/guest/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="/guest/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 Your Community</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Your Community</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-fitness-a-gentle-workout-with-nia-dallas-tx-11262024-5nnx3n5ltbp.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-A-GENTLE-NIA-WORKOUT">Fitness: A Gentle Nia Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CST</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-al-mindful-movement-session-birmingham-al-112624-qgn4gl5lb5r.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-SESSION">Mindful Movement Workout Session</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CST</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-mindful-movement-for-strength-and-balance-11262024-lmnp84jlt9h.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-YOGA-PILATES-FOR-STRENGTH-AND-BALANCE">Yoga + Pilates for Strength and Balance</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. MST</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/guest/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A--">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--">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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How about a new love interest" name="description"/> <meta content="Avoid, scams, protect, your, family, from, fraud" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://local.aarp.org/news/avoid-scams-and-protect-your-family-from-fraud-2021-07-26.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/avoid-scams-and-protect-your-family-from-fraud-2021-07-26.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Avoid scams and protect your family from fraud"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Have you ever gotten a suspicious text or phone call from someone needing money or access to your financial information? How about a new love interest wanting"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/19e769b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/544x350+43+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F00%2F74%2F845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae%2Ffraudmap.PNG"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Avoid scams and protect your family from fraud"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Have you ever gotten a suspicious text or phone call from someone needing money or access to your financial information? 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How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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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="/guest/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="/guest/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 Your Community</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Your Community</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-fitness-a-gentle-workout-with-nia-dallas-tx-11262024-5nnx3n5ltbp.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-A-GENTLE-NIA-WORKOUT">Fitness: A Gentle Nia Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CST</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-al-mindful-movement-session-birmingham-al-112624-qgn4gl5lb5r.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-SESSION">Mindful Movement Workout Session</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CST</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-mindful-movement-for-strength-and-balance-11262024-lmnp84jlt9h.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-YOGA-PILATES-FOR-STRENGTH-AND-BALANCE">Yoga + Pilates for Strength and Balance</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. MST</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/guest/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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$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">Avoid scams and protect your family from fraud</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/26/21 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Have you ever gotten a suspicious text or phone call from someone needing money or access to your financial information? How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A--">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--">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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How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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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">Avoid scams and protect your family from fraud</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/26/21 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Have you ever gotten a suspicious text or phone call from someone needing money or access to your financial information? How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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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="/guest/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="/guest/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 Your Community</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Your Community</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-fitness-a-gentle-workout-with-nia-dallas-tx-11262024-5nnx3n5ltbp.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-A-GENTLE-NIA-WORKOUT">Fitness: A Gentle Nia Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CST</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-al-mindful-movement-session-birmingham-al-112624-qgn4gl5lb5r.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-SESSION">Mindful Movement Workout Session</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CST</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-mindful-movement-for-strength-and-balance-11262024-lmnp84jlt9h.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-YOGA-PILATES-FOR-STRENGTH-AND-BALANCE">Yoga + Pilates for Strength and Balance</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. MST</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/guest/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A--">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A--">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Avoid scams and protect your family from fraud</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/26/21 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Have you ever gotten a suspicious text or phone call from someone needing money or access to your financial information? How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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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">Avoid scams and protect your family from fraud</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 07/26/21 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Have you ever gotten a suspicious text or phone call from someone needing money or access to your financial information? How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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How about a new love interest wanting gift cards in order to come visit? Have you gotten a pop-up on your computer that says it has a virus and someone needs to take over your laptop to fix it?<br><br>Those are scams!<br><br>The <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a></span></span> is here to help protect you and your family from such con artists.<br><br>You can sign up for <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup" target="_blank">free Watchdog alerts</a></span></span>, call the toll-free help line at 1-877-908-3360 if you suspect a scam, and even look at our <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/" target="_blank">scam-tracking map</a></span></span> to see what fraudsters have been up to in your area.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/00/74/845a8aa247368100199ec4f9acae/fraudmap.PNG" alt="fraudmap.PNG"/> </figure> </div> </div><p> <br><br>AARP staff and volunteers also are working hard in <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/nearyou" target="_blank">your community</a></span></span> to protect you and your family, hosting a variety of <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhZT43j4SqIQj5kQkZUIkg" target="_blank">programs</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://onlinexperiences.com/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:APIUTILS!51004&PageID=425FE08D-8CFC-4C66-AE8F-6A127BD4416B&AffiliateData=FWNPage?Intcmp=AE-FRDSC-ABT-TK" target="_blank">webinars</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/?tag=scam-prevention" target="_blank">workshops</a></span></span> on fraud. We also host or sponsor free shred fests periodically, so that you can safely destroy personal and financial documents that you no longer need.<br><br>And AARP works with fraud specialists at the local, state and federal levels to advocate for and share ways to protect consumers from fraud. We can always use more <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/volunteerhere" target="_blank">volunteers</a></span></span> to help with that too!<br><br>Tips from local, state and federal officials on avoiding scammers include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Be wary of inbound calls, emails or texts that ask for personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information and medical details.<br></li><li>If someone claims you owe money and insists you buy gift cards to repay the debt, don’t believe it. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card.<br></li><li>Don’t click on links or download files from unexpected emails, even if the address looks familiar.<br></li><li>Watch over your credit reports, don’t carry PIN numbers or passwords in your wallet or purse, and protect your mail – don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.</li></ul><p>Scammers are regularly evolving their techniques to defraud you, so be wary of anything unsolicited and always independently verify an offer or request.<br><br>Learn more at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank">aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</a></span></span>.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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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="/guest/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="/guest/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 Your Community</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Your Community</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-fitness-a-gentle-workout-with-nia-dallas-tx-11262024-5nnx3n5ltbp.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-A-GENTLE-NIA-WORKOUT">Fitness: A Gentle Nia Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CST</p> <p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-al-mindful-movement-session-birmingham-al-112624-qgn4gl5lb5r.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-SESSION">Mindful Movement Workout Session</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CST</p> <p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-mindful-movement-for-strength-and-balance-11262024-lmnp84jlt9h.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-YOGA-PILATES-FOR-STRENGTH-AND-BALANCE">Yoga + Pilates for Strength and Balance</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. MST</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/guest/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A--">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--">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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