'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams

Posted on 12/10/24

As online holiday shopping ramps up, so do scam attempts. A new AARP survey shows that over 80% of adults have faced some form of holiday-related fraud, yet many of us are unaware of scammers’ tactics – especially online.

The AARP holiday scams survey identified three specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balance scams, and shipping scams. Here are tips to keep yourself safe from these deceptive tactics this winter.

When shopping online, visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers or advertisements for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website. Check the balance when you receive a card and use it sooner than later. Lastly, if you receive a text claiming ‘problems’ with a shipment, don’t engage with it; if you are concerned about the status of a package, contact the shipper directly.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

This story is provided by AARP Maryland. Visit the AARP Maryland page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

AARP Events for Annapolis

Holiday Movie Night: ‘The Best Man Holiday’

Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024

Swank

Online Event
Grief and the Holidays: Coping With Loss in Joyful Times

Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. ET

Zoom

Online Event
Cyber Security: Tips on Online Safety From the FBI

Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET

Zoom and Facebook

Online Event

View All AARP Events

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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/10/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As online holiday shopping ramps up, so do scam attempts. A new AARP survey shows that over 80% of adults have faced some form of holiday-related fraud, yet many of us are unaware of scammers’ tactics – especially online.<br><br>The AARP holiday scams survey identified three specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balance scams, and shipping scams. Here are tips to keep yourself safe from these deceptive tactics this winter.<br><br>When shopping online, visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers or advertisements for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website. Check the balance when you receive a card and use it sooner than later. Lastly, if you receive a text claiming ‘problems’ with a shipment, don’t engage with it; if you are concerned about the status of a package, contact the shipper directly.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><span class="Link"><u>stop</u> a scam</span></span></span>.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Maryland. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/maryland/" target="_blank">AARP Maryland</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024</p>
					<p class="venue">Swank</p>
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				Posted on 12/10/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As online holiday shopping ramps up, so do scam attempts. A new AARP survey shows that over 80% of adults have faced some form of holiday-related fraud, yet many of us are unaware of scammers’ tactics – especially online.<br><br>The AARP holiday scams survey identified three specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balance scams, and shipping scams. Here are tips to keep yourself safe from these deceptive tactics this winter.<br><br>When shopping online, visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers or advertisements for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website. Check the balance when you receive a card and use it sooner than later. Lastly, if you receive a text claiming ‘problems’ with a shipment, don’t engage with it; if you are concerned about the status of a package, contact the shipper directly.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><span class="Link"><u>stop</u> a scam</span></span></span>.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Maryland. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/maryland/" target="_blank">AARP Maryland</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024 at 11:30&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/10/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As online holiday shopping ramps up, so do scam attempts. A new AARP survey shows that over 80% of adults have faced some form of holiday-related fraud, yet many of us are unaware of scammers’ tactics – especially online.<br><br>The AARP holiday scams survey identified three specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balance scams, and shipping scams. Here are tips to keep yourself safe from these deceptive tactics this winter.<br><br>When shopping online, visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers or advertisements for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website. Check the balance when you receive a card and use it sooner than later. Lastly, if you receive a text claiming ‘problems’ with a shipment, don’t engage with it; if you are concerned about the status of a package, contact the shipper directly.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><span class="Link"><u>stop</u> a scam</span></span></span>.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Maryland. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/maryland/" target="_blank">AARP Maryland</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-holiday-movie-night-the-best-man-holiday-6bnc63tb5ck.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-MOVIE-NIGHT-THE-BEST-MAN-HOLIDAY">Holiday Movie Night: ‘The Best Man Holiday’</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024</p>
					<p class="venue">Swank</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-grief-and-the-holidays-austin-tx-12112024-rjnzs86vx79.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-GRIEF-AND-THE-HOLIDAYS-COPING-WITH-LOSS-IN-JOYFUL-TIMES">Grief and the Holidays: Coping With Loss in Joyful Times</a></h2>
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-cyber-security-presented-by-the-fbi-houston-tx-121124-5nnv4bzq9wv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CYBER-SECURITY-TIPS-ON-ONLINE-SAFETY-FROM-THE-FBI">Cyber Security: Tips on Online Safety From the FBI</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/10/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As online holiday shopping ramps up, so do scam attempts. A new AARP survey shows that over 80% of adults have faced some form of holiday-related fraud, yet many of us are unaware of scammers’ tactics – especially online.<br><br>The AARP holiday scams survey identified three specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balance scams, and shipping scams. Here are tips to keep yourself safe from these deceptive tactics this winter.<br><br>When shopping online, visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers or advertisements for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website. Check the balance when you receive a card and use it sooner than later. Lastly, if you receive a text claiming ‘problems’ with a shipment, don’t engage with it; if you are concerned about the status of a package, contact the shipper directly.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><span class="Link"><u>stop</u> a scam</span></span></span>.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Maryland. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/maryland/" target="_blank">AARP Maryland</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/10/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As online holiday shopping ramps up, so do scam attempts. A new AARP survey shows that over 80% of adults have faced some form of holiday-related fraud, yet many of us are unaware of scammers’ tactics – especially online.<br><br>The AARP holiday scams survey identified three specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balance scams, and shipping scams. Here are tips to keep yourself safe from these deceptive tactics this winter.<br><br>When shopping online, visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers or advertisements for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website. Check the balance when you receive a card and use it sooner than later. Lastly, if you receive a text claiming ‘problems’ with a shipment, don’t engage with it; if you are concerned about the status of a package, contact the shipper directly.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><span class="Link"><u>stop</u> a scam</span></span></span>.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Maryland. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/maryland/" target="_blank">AARP Maryland</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024</p>
					<p class="venue">Swank</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-grief-and-the-holidays-austin-tx-12112024-rjnzs86vx79.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-GRIEF-AND-THE-HOLIDAYS-COPING-WITH-LOSS-IN-JOYFUL-TIMES">Grief and the Holidays: Coping With Loss in Joyful Times</a></h2>
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-cyber-security-presented-by-the-fbi-houston-tx-121124-5nnv4bzq9wv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CYBER-SECURITY-TIPS-ON-ONLINE-SAFETY-FROM-THE-FBI">Cyber Security: Tips on Online Safety From the FBI</a></h2>
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					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
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		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
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		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANNAPOLIS-MD">Renew</a> or 
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<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/maryland/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Maryland</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-maryland-contact-information/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANNAPOLIS-MD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/10/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As online holiday shopping ramps up, so do scam attempts. A new AARP survey shows that over 80% of adults have faced some form of holiday-related fraud, yet many of us are unaware of scammers’ tactics – especially online.<br><br>The AARP holiday scams survey identified three specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balance scams, and shipping scams. Here are tips to keep yourself safe from these deceptive tactics this winter.<br><br>When shopping online, visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers or advertisements for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website. Check the balance when you receive a card and use it sooner than later. Lastly, if you receive a text claiming ‘problems’ with a shipment, don’t engage with it; if you are concerned about the status of a package, contact the shipper directly.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><span class="Link"><u>stop</u> a scam</span></span></span>.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Maryland. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/maryland/" target="_blank">AARP Maryland</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/10/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As online holiday shopping ramps up, so do scam attempts. A new AARP survey shows that over 80% of adults have faced some form of holiday-related fraud, yet many of us are unaware of scammers’ tactics – especially online.<br><br>The AARP holiday scams survey identified three specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balance scams, and shipping scams. Here are tips to keep yourself safe from these deceptive tactics this winter.<br><br>When shopping online, visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers or advertisements for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website. Check the balance when you receive a card and use it sooner than later. Lastly, if you receive a text claiming ‘problems’ with a shipment, don’t engage with it; if you are concerned about the status of a package, contact the shipper directly.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><span class="Link"><u>stop</u> a scam</span></span></span>.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Maryland. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/maryland/" target="_blank">AARP Maryland</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/10/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As online holiday shopping ramps up, so do scam attempts. A new AARP survey shows that over 80% of adults have faced some form of holiday-related fraud, yet many of us are unaware of scammers’ tactics – especially online.<br><br>The AARP holiday scams survey identified three specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balance scams, and shipping scams. Here are tips to keep yourself safe from these deceptive tactics this winter.<br><br>When shopping online, visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers or advertisements for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website. Check the balance when you receive a card and use it sooner than later. Lastly, if you receive a text claiming ‘problems’ with a shipment, don’t engage with it; if you are concerned about the status of a package, contact the shipper directly.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><span class="Link"><u>stop</u> a scam</span></span></span>.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Maryland. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/maryland/" target="_blank">AARP Maryland</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/10/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As online holiday shopping ramps up, so do scam attempts. A new AARP survey shows that over 80% of adults have faced some form of holiday-related fraud, yet many of us are unaware of scammers’ tactics – especially online.<br><br>The AARP holiday scams survey identified three specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balance scams, and shipping scams. Here are tips to keep yourself safe from these deceptive tactics this winter.<br><br>When shopping online, visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers or advertisements for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website. Check the balance when you receive a card and use it sooner than later. Lastly, if you receive a text claiming ‘problems’ with a shipment, don’t engage with it; if you are concerned about the status of a package, contact the shipper directly.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><span class="Link"><u>stop</u> a scam</span></span></span>.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Maryland. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/maryland/" target="_blank">AARP Maryland</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/10/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As online holiday shopping ramps up, so do scam attempts. A new AARP survey shows that over 80% of adults have faced some form of holiday-related fraud, yet many of us are unaware of scammers’ tactics – especially online.<br><br>The AARP holiday scams survey identified three specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balance scams, and shipping scams. Here are tips to keep yourself safe from these deceptive tactics this winter.<br><br>When shopping online, visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers or advertisements for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website. Check the balance when you receive a card and use it sooner than later. Lastly, if you receive a text claiming ‘problems’ with a shipment, don’t engage with it; if you are concerned about the status of a package, contact the shipper directly.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><span class="Link"><u>stop</u> a scam</span></span></span>.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Maryland. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/maryland/" target="_blank">AARP Maryland</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/10/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As online holiday shopping ramps up, so do scam attempts. A new AARP survey shows that over 80% of adults have faced some form of holiday-related fraud, yet many of us are unaware of scammers’ tactics – especially online.<br><br>The AARP holiday scams survey identified three specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balance scams, and shipping scams. Here are tips to keep yourself safe from these deceptive tactics this winter.<br><br>When shopping online, visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers or advertisements for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website. Check the balance when you receive a card and use it sooner than later. Lastly, if you receive a text claiming ‘problems’ with a shipment, don’t engage with it; if you are concerned about the status of a package, contact the shipper directly.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><span class="Link"><u>stop</u> a scam</span></span></span>.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Maryland. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/maryland/" target="_blank">AARP Maryland</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
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					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/10/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As online holiday shopping ramps up, so do scam attempts. A new AARP survey shows that over 80% of adults have faced some form of holiday-related fraud, yet many of us are unaware of scammers’ tactics – especially online.<br><br>The AARP holiday scams survey identified three specific threat areas: online shopping scams, gift cards with zero balance scams, and shipping scams. Here are tips to keep yourself safe from these deceptive tactics this winter.<br><br>When shopping online, visit sites you know and trust, and avoid clicking on offers or advertisements for deep discounts on hot items. The safest way to give a gift card is by purchasing it online through the retailer’s website. Check the balance when you receive a card and use it sooner than later. Lastly, if you receive a text claiming ‘problems’ with a shipment, don’t engage with it; if you are concerned about the status of a package, contact the shipper directly.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><span class="Link"><u>stop</u> a scam</span></span></span>.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="http://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Maryland. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/maryland/" target="_blank">AARP Maryland</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-grief-and-the-holidays-austin-tx-12112024-rjnzs86vx79.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-GRIEF-AND-THE-HOLIDAYS-COPING-WITH-LOSS-IN-JOYFUL-TIMES">Grief and the Holidays: Coping With Loss in Joyful Times</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024 at 11:30&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-cyber-security-presented-by-the-fbi-houston-tx-121124-5nnv4bzq9wv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CYBER-SECURITY-TIPS-ON-ONLINE-SAFETY-FROM-THE-FBI">Cyber Security: Tips on Online Safety From the FBI</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom and Facebook</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANNAPOLIS-MD">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
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<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Annapolis</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MDAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MDAARP@aarp.org</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/maryland/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Maryland</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-maryland-contact-information/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANNAPOLIS-MD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

</ul>
</div>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmd" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMD" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>

</div>
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include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
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View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
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[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118