Scams & Fraud

Online shopping is easy but also risky—especially during the holidays. AARP Alaska has tips to help weary shoppers be wary of cybercriminals.

Online scammers are looking for ways to prey on people by hacking their digital devices. At an AARP Alaska Fraud Watchdogs presentation, Teresa Holt, state director, will provide insights into how people can avoid becoming victims.

Sidestep identity stealers by shredding sensitive documents

Listen to the statewide discussion with the identity theft expert in Alaska, recorded Sept. 19, 2019

AARP Alaska Joins in Campaign to Help Keep Scammers from Conning Enrollees

‘The Perfect Scam’ Pulls Back the Curtain on America’s Most Shocking Scam Stories; Hosted by Frank Abagnale and Will Johnson

New Poll Finds 1 in 4 Americans Often Not Prepared to Face Aggressive Scammers

Americans gave over $390 billion to charity in 2016. While government regulators say that most charities are legitimate, there are fundraisers that keep most of the money they raise. As you consider year-end giving, do your research. Check out charities at www.give.org or www.charitynavigator.org to make sure your money is going where it should and not into the pockets of scammers!

As you head out for last-minute holiday shopping, leave the debit card at home. Consumer protection experts recommend using credit cards to protect against fraud and theft. With credit cards, you are liable for only up to $50 of fraudulent use, and most credit card companies will waive this fee. In the case of a lost or stolen debit card, financial losses to the consumer can be much more significant. Call your bank for details.

Are you buying gift cards this holiday season? Consider this. Thieves hit store gift card racks, secretly write down or scan the numbers off the cards, then check online or call the toll-free number to see if someone has bought the cards and activated them. As soon as a card is active, the scammers drain the funds. By the time your gift recipient tries to use the card, the money is long gone.