Please consider publishing these alerts in your local publications, and share them on social media, too. If you have alerts to suggest, please send them to us and we will add them into our scam alert schedule. If you would like to schedule a virtual/in-person scam prevention speaker for your group, please complete our online request form. Questions? Suggestions? Contact Jane Margesson jmargesson@aarp.org or 207-229-5628 (cell).

 

 Week 1 – Give Robocalls the Busy Signal                          LEARN MORE LINK

 

Robocalls can be more than just annoying. While some automated calls are legitimate, others are used by criminals to steal money or personal information. These calls may promise prizes, demand payment for debts you don't owe or claim to come from a trusted organization.

 

Scammers can manipulate caller ID to make a call appear to come from a local number or a legitimate business. They may also use stolen personal information and artificial intelligence to make their calls more convincing. Even if a number looks familiar, that doesn't mean the caller can be trusted.

 

To protect yourself, avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. If you answer a suspicious robocall, hang up without pressing any buttons. Check with your phone provider about call-blocking options and consider adding your number to DoNotCall.gov. While this can reduce unwanted telemarketing calls, it won't stop scammers who ignore the rules.

Learn how to spot and avoid scams with AARP Fraud Watch Network™. Suspect a scam? Call our free helpline at 877-908-3360 and talk to one of our fraud specialists about what to do next.

 

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out our online form or send an email to me@aarp.org.

 

Week 2 – Guard Against Veteran Scams                                                         LEARN MORE LINK

As Veterans Day approaches, it's an important time to recognize the service of our nation's veterans and raise awareness about scams targeting the military community. Criminals may impersonate government agencies, offer assistance with VA benefits for a fee, promote fake military discounts, or solicit donations for bogus veteran charities. 

 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will never charge fees to apply for benefits or access official military records, nor will they demand personal details out of the blue. Scams targeting veterans may focus on their military benefits, offering a lump sum cash offer – be wary. Verify any suspicious contact directly with the VA at 800-827-1000 or by visiting va.gov.

Learn how to spot and avoid scams with AARP Fraud Watch Network™. Suspect a scam? Call our free helpline at 877-908-3360 and talk to one of our fraud specialists about what to do next.

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out our online form or send an email to me@aarp.org.

 

 

 

Week 3 – How an Active Pause Can Foil the Perpetrator                                 LEARN MORE LINK

 

Most scams come at us with three elements – let’s call them together a trigger: a contact out of the blue, that yields a surge of emotion, and contains urgency. Criminals use this trigger to move our brains past logic and right into action through emotion. When this trigger comes at you, let that be your signal to Pause, Reflect, Protect – what AARP calls taking an “active pause.”

 

For example: Is your grandson calling you late at night (out of the blue), saying he’s in jail across the country (fear), and he needs you to send money right away (urgency)? The active pause means taking an intentional step back (pause) to think about what you might know of this scenario (reflect). This helps you engage with the logic center of your brain, allowing you to see the attempt and avoid having money stolen from you (protect).

 

The active pause gives you the opportunity, for example, to remember that you saw your grandson just the other day, so he’s not likely across the country, which prompts you to call him or his parents to confirm he’s okay, and so you hang up on the perpetrator, and avoid becoming a victim.

 

Know the trigger, know the safe response: Pause. Reflect. Protect.

 

Learn how to spot and avoid scams with AARP Fraud Watch Network™. Suspect a scam? Call our free helpline at 877-908-3360 and talk to one of our fraud specialists about what to do next.

 

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out our online form or send an email to me@aarp.org.

 

Week 4 – Common Holiday Scams to Look Out For                                                     LEARN MORE LINK

The holidays are a time for friends, family and giving, but they’re also a prime time for scams. Watch out for these common holiday schemes: 

 

Online shopping scams. Criminals create convincing websites and ads offering popular items at unusually low prices. Shop directly through trusted retailers’ websites or apps, avoid links in ads, emails and texts, and use a credit card for stronger purchase protections. 

 

Delivery scams. Scammers send fake delivery notices posing as UPS, FedEx, or the U.S. Postal Service. Clicking the link can lead to websites that steal personal information or install malware. To verify a delivery, visit the shipper's website or app directly.

 

Gift card scams. Criminals may steal gift card information from store racks and drain the balance after the card is purchased. Choose cards kept behind the counter or buy directly from the retailer’s website.

 

Learn how to spot and avoid scams with AARP Fraud Watch Network™. Suspect a scam? Call our free helpline at 877-908-3360 and talk to one of our fraud specialists about what to do next.

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out our online form or send an email to me@aarp.org.

 

 

Week 5 – Give to Causes. Not Criminals.                                                                    LEARN MORE LINK

While reputable organizations make their year-end push for donations, criminals also take advantage of the season to line their own pockets. Common signs of a charity scam include requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, as well as pressure to donate immediately. Legitimate charities may encourage timely giving, but they will welcome your support at any time.

 

To help ensure your donation reaches those who truly need it, do your research. Check organizations on sites such as give.org, CharityNavigator.org, or CharityWatch.org to confirm legitimacy and see how funds are used. Pay close attention to a charity's name and web address, as criminals often mimic trusted organizations. Also, be cautious of links in unsolicited emails, texts, or social media messages, which can lead to fake donation websites or expose your device to malware.

 

When donating, use a credit card. It's easier to track your contribution, and if your card is misused, you're protected against loss. To avoid feeling pressured by unexpected solicitations, consider making a list of charities you support. That way, you can give confidently and on your own terms.

 

Learn how to spot and avoid scams with AARP Fraud Watch Network™. Suspect a scam? Call our free helpline at 877-908-3360 and talk to one of our fraud specialists about what to do next.

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out our online form or send an email to me@aarp.org.