Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
Tax season is stressful enough, and scammers take full advantage of that with IRS impostor schemes.
They reach out, claiming you owe back taxes and threaten legal action if you don’t pay immediately. These messages are designed to create panic and push you to act fast, often demanding payment by wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency — all guaranteed signs of a scam.
Unless you’re already working with the IRS on a tax issue, the agency will generally not contact you, and if they do, it’s typically by mail first.
When in doubt, disengage and verify by contacting the IRS directly using a trusted number from an official letter or IRS.gov — never one provided in a suspicious message.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
Each year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads Identity Theft Awareness Week, a national initiative held in late January on how to avoid identity theft, recover if it happens, and spot these scams before they occur.
Identity theft is when your personal information is exposed; identify fraud is when someone uses that data to take over or open accounts, steal your tax refund, file fraudulent health insurance claims, and more. It can happen to anyone, but we can take steps to protect against it.
Monitoring your credit report is one of the best ways to spot errors or suspicious activity. You can get free credit reports from the main three credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—at annualcreditreport.com.
Freezing your credit is an effective way to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name, especially if you have no near term plans to apply for a loan or credit soon. Credit freezes are free, and you can freeze or unfreeze your credit directly through each agency.
Also, make sure you use strong and unique passwords for all accounts (a password manager makes this so much easier), use multi-factor authentication when it’s available, and shred sensitive documents – dumpster divers are still out there.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
As temperatures drop in many states, criminals are turning up the heat on their deceptive tactics. While utility scams happen year-round, scammers are especially active when customers rely on these essential services to stay warm and safe.
They pose as utility companies, claiming you’re behind on your bill, and threatening to cut off service unless you make an immediate payment. Their goal is to trigger panic. When fear takes over, it becomes harder to think clearly, and they hope we stay in that state of panic just long enough to push through a payment.
If you receive an unexpected call claiming your service will be shut off, hang up. Then contact your utility provider directly using the customer service number on a recent bill or by logging into your account online. In most cases, you’ll find everything is in good standing.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
With rising costs and economic uncertainty, many of us are looking to start the new year by taking more control of our finances and tackling lingering debt. But paying down what you owe takes time, discipline, and a clear plan—not quick fixes. Be cautious of offers that promise guaranteed results or fast debt elimination.
Scammers often target consumers with significant credit card debt, claiming they can negotiate with creditors to reduce what you owe. hThese operations typically charge hefty fees and deliver little—or no—help. Some even advise you to stop communicating with your creditors, which can make your situation worse.
If you or a loved one need help getting out of debt, turn to reputable organizations like the nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.nfcc.org). They can offer real guidance without hidden fees or false guarantees.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
If your New Year’s resolutions include finding a new job, work-from-home opportunities may sound appealing. While many remote positions are legitimate, some aren’t what they appear to be. Criminals often pose as legitimate employers on job boards, social media, or send unsolicited texts, promising easy money, flexible hours, and a quick hiring process.
What they’re really after is personal information or our money by asking to pay upfront for “training,” purchase expensive equipment, or provide sensitive details—such as your Social Security number—as part of the application.
Be cautious of sudden, unusually high-paying opportunities that require little to no experience. Avoid sharing personal data until you’re certain the job offer is legitimate and take time to research the company by searching its name along with the words scam, complaint, or fraud. If you see concerns from other job seekers, consider it a clear red flag.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
As the year winds down and the season of giving sets in, many people look to support causes they care about—but telling a legitimate charity from a fake one can be tough. While reputable organizations make their year-end push for donations, criminals also take advantage of this opportunity 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 high-pressure demands to donate immediately. Legitimate charities may also 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 find out how much of the funds are used to serve its stated mission versus overhead and fundraising.
Pay close attention to the charity’s name and web address, as criminals often mimic the names of familiar, trusted organizations to deceive donors. Also, be cautious of links in unsolicited emails, texts, or social media messages, which can lead to fake donation websites and expose your device to malware.
When you do donate, use a credit card. It’s easier to track your contribution, and if your card is misused, you have protection against loss. To avoid feeling pressured by unexpected solicitations, consider having a set list of charities you support. That way, you can give confidently and on your own terms.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
With the holiday travel season fast approaching, scammers are poised to capitalize on travelers needing help with last-minute flight changes and cancellations. Don’t let fake customer service derail your trip – or drain your wallet. Here’s a few things you should know to stay ahead of airline call center scams.
Just because an airline customer service helpline number appears at the top of internet search results doesn’t mean it’s legitimate. Fraudulent numbers often surface in search results, and scammers constantly find new ways to make their numbers appear first. To avoid this risk, download your airline’s official app. In addition to providing the airline’s verified 800 number, the app delivers real-time flight notifications and other important updates.
Be on the lookout for red flags, such as aggressive tactics pushing you to buy a ticket immediately because “the price will go up.” And if your flight is canceled, you usually do not need to pay to be rebooked. Any “agent” requesting a credit card to do so is likely after your money, not your flight.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
With holiday shopping—and shipping—comes the risk of package theft. Thieves — often called “Porch Pirates” — steal millions of packages from American doorsteps each year, totaling billions of dollars in merchandise. You can help protect your deliveries with a few simple steps.
Opt into delivery alerts, allowing you to track your package and know exactly when items arrive. If you won’t be home, ask a trusted person to pick it up, or instruct the delivery person to place it out of sight.
Consider requesting a signature upon delivery to ensure your package is handed to someone directly. You can also use alternative pickup options, such as ship-to-store or secure locations offered by major retailers and delivery services.
If you’re going out of town, ask USPS, FedEx, or UPS to hold your mail and packages until you return. USPS can hold mail for up to 30 days, and FedEx and UPS offer similar vacation hold options.
Stay informed and work with your neighbors. Agree to watch out for each other’s deliveries and offer to take in mail when needed. Community resources like Nextdoor.com, Crime Stoppers, and social media updates from local law enforcement can also alert you to porch piracy in your area.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
The holiday season usually means fun with friends and family, goodwill and giving. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime time for cybercriminals to perpetrate fraud. Here are some common holiday scams to look out for this holiday season:
Online shopping scams. Criminals create professional-looking websites and ads promoting popular items at steep discounts, but what you receive may be different than advertised—if you receive anything. Be cautious of unusually low prices and avoid clicking on ads in emails, texts, or social media. For safer shopping, go directly to a trusted retailer’s website or app and pay with a credit card for stronger protections.
Delivery scams. As holiday packages crisscross the country, scammers send out phishing emails and texts that appear to be from UPS, FedEx, or the U.S. Postal Service, notifying recipients about incoming or missed deliveries. Links lead to fake sign-in pages that request personal information, or to sites that may be infected with malware.
Gift card scams. Criminals steal gift cards in bulk from store racks, collect the information from the card, and return them to the rack for unsuspecting buyers. When the gift card is bought, criminals immediately drain the money. It is safer to buy cards that are kept behind the counter, or directly from the retailer’s site.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
The holiday deals are already rolling in, but not every offer you see online is the real deal.
Fraud criminals often create websites that look professional and offer big discounts on popular items. But after you pay for the item, the product you receive might be of poor quality, not what was advertised, or it never arrives at all.
Be cautious of any online offer that’s priced way below what other retailers are charging. The safest way to shop is by using trusted retailers’ apps or typing their website directly into your browser — not by clicking links from texts, emails, or ads.
