Fraud Fighter Tips from AARP Arkansas

Disaster Scams
In 2023, post-disaster fraud cost Americans over $9.3 billion, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). With hurricane and wildfire season in full swing, it’s important to remind ourselves that when the clouds roll out and the smoke clears, criminal scammers tend to move in.

Following extreme weather events, criminals impersonate government, utility, and insurance workers. They may show up at your door or call with promises of federal grants, priority repairs, or faster claim processing in exchange for a fee or up-front deposit.

While actual Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) agents may visit your home to assist, they will never ask for payment and will carry a government-issued laminated photo badge. A FEMA shirt or jacket is NOT proof of identity.

Be cautious of door-to-door insurance and utility solicitations promising special or expedited assistance. Even if the offer appears genuine, ask for more information, and never give money on the spot. You should also contact your insurance or utility company through pre-established channels to confirm that an offer is legitimate.

Celebrity Impostor AI Scams
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has captured the world's attention, but it has also captured the attention of criminal scammers. One area where AI scams are particularly dangerous is celebrity impostor scams.

For many years, criminals have impersonated celebrities online to steal from fans. Fake celebrity profiles offer fans personal connection, investment opportunities, or the chance to support favorite charities.

AI has allowed criminals to make these scams more realistic than ever with “deepfake” videos. With this technology, criminals can create videos where it looks and sounds like the celebrity is speaking, but it is in fact completely computer generated. Criminal scammers have used this technology for anything from fake product endorsements to promotions for bogus VIP ticket sales.

Posting on a celebrity's social media account might be exciting, but it could put you at risk of this impostor scam. In whatever way you choose to enjoy your favorite celebs, do so recognizing that an opportunity to connect with them personally is likely a scam.

Gold Bar Scams
Criminal scammers are increasingly trying to steal your savings through gold bar schemes.

Criminals may impersonate representatives from the government to convince you that your bank account is compromised. They'll instruct you to withdraw your money and convert it into gold, before sending a “courier” to collect the bars for safe storage. However, once your gold is picked up, they’ll cut off contact and disappear. Thankfully, there are some warning signs of gold bar schemes.

No legitimate entity is going to ask you to buy gold. In addition, you should always be very weary if someone suggests that you must move your money to make it safe. While the involvement of couriers in gold bar scams may make it appear more legitimate, it’s another red flag.

AARP Victim Support Group
Have you been affected by a scam? Know that you are not alone.

AARP Fraud Watch Network™ offers free emotional support sessions for people affected by fraud. Trained peer facilitators conduct hour-long small group online sessions. You can join by computer, tablet, or smartphone. Discussions are confidential. You are welcome to attend one session or several – it's your choice.

Experiencing a scam can be devastating, but it doesn't have to define you. Sign up for a session at aarp.org/fraudsupport and take an important step toward emotional recovery.

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

AARP Fraud Watch Network™ is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 877-908-3360.

Cyber Security Awareness Month
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month – a great time to remind ourselves just how much of our lives take place online and the potential threats that exist in the digital world. Any device that stores information or connects to the internet could become a target for cybercriminals seeking to steal your data.

Here are four important ways to help stay safe online:

1) Strong passwords – Have a unique and strong password for each online account.

2) Multi-factor authentication – Turn on this extra security step when available. Multi-factor authentication is a second way beyond your username and password to verify it’s you accessing your account or device.

3) Software updates – Consider turning on automatic software updates to keep your devices up-to-date and secure.

4) Don't click on links - Avoid clicking on links from emails, texts, and online ads. Type web addresses into your browser to ensure you aren’t sent to a fraudulent copycat site, and only visit sites you know and trust.

AARP Scam-Tracking Map Update

When it comes to fraud, knowledge is power. But how can we spread that knowledge so more people are empowered to protect themselves?

One great way to report what you’ve experienced is through the AARP Scam-Tracking Map (www.aarp.org/scammap). The map shows scams that people experience every day, and it also includes warnings from law enforcement. You can submit scams you’ve encountered and explore what’s being reported in your area.

Staying informed has never been easier; the AARP Scam-Tracking Map is freshly updated, with improved searchability features, a more user-friendly interface, and best of all, it is now accessible from any mobile device!

We’re all in this together – let’s share what we know so the next target doesn’t become the next victim.

Medicare Open Enrollment Scams                        
It’s open enrollment season, which also means it’s Medicare fraud season. Eligible beneficiaries have from October 15–December 7 to shop around and make changes to their Medicare health and Part D prescription drug plans. Unfortunately, some of the deals offered won’t be deals at all.

Just like in other years, Medicare scams spike during open enrollment season with criminals posing as insurance providers calling and emailing about free gifts or limited-time offers. These scams are all designed to steal your money, Medicare information, or your identity.

Be suspicious and don’t share sensitive personal information with anyone who calls, emails, or visits you out of the blue promoting a Medicare plan. Legitimate Medicare plans can only contact you if you’ve requested information or if you have an existing relationship with them. Beneficiaries can safely compare legitimate plans and change enrollment by going to medicare.gov or by calling 800-633-4227.

Tech-Support Scams  
Tech support is calling – but should you answer? One might think that a crime like the tech support scam, which has been around for over 15 years, might fade away, but it is more common than ever.

These scams start with an unsolicited phone call or a pop-up alert on your device, claiming to be from Microsoft, Norton, or another related company, warning of grave problems. The goal is to persuade you to grant remote access to your device, after which they’ll claim to find something terrible. In reality, these criminals are likely trying to install malware, which enables them to steal personal information and account logins. They may also pressure you into paying for expensive (and fake) repairs or protection services.

If you receive an urgent phone call or a sudden, alarming pop-up, it’s almost certainly a scam. Don’t engage, and to rid your screen of the message, exit out of your browser or restart your device. Keeping your operating systems and security software up to date is an important way to keep real viruses and malware out.

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

AARP Fraud Watch Network™ is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 877-908-3360.

Work-From-Home Job Scams                                     Many Americans are on the hunt for the perfect remote job or side hustle, and criminal scammers are ready to exploit these ambitions. With work-from-home jobs increasing in popularity and employment scams on the rise, now is a great time to review the warning signs of a shady job posting.

Beware of any job that offers a large income with little to no training or experience. Likewise, avoid any position that requires you to pay in advance for certification, training, or equipment. Business offers guaranteed to “pay off quickly” or “double your investment” are also highly suspicious.

Make sure to check that job sites specializing in remote work screen the openings and companies listed, and don’t assume a position is genuine just because it was posted on a legitimate job board. It could still be a scam. Furthermore, it's important to be cautious of online testimonials; work-at-home sites are full of fake personal stories of people claiming to make thousands of dollars a month because they took advantage of this “amazing opportunity.”

Toll Road Scams
Planning to take a road trip soon? Gas prices and traffic jams aren’t your only concern. Cybercriminals are now deceiving drivers into paying fake highway tolls. Here’s what you need to know:

Beware of text messages appearing to be from a highway authority or transponder company like E-ZPass, notifying you of unpaid highway tolls. These messages include a link to a fake version of the sender’s website and may threaten significant fees if you don't pay your balance immediately. Providing payment not only charges you for tolls you don’t owe, but could also provide these criminals with your credit card details. Clicking on the link may also expose your device to malware.

If you receive a text message notifying you of unpaid highway tolls, don’t respond. If you are concerned that an unpaid toll message could be legitimate, contact the toll road authority or your transponder provider if you have one.

Peer-to-Peer Payment Scams
Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App have made sending money between family and friends easier than ever before. But consumers beware: while these apps make exchanging money fast and convenient, they also make it quick and seamless for criminal scammers to steal your money.

You may hear from a loved one claiming to be in trouble - and they need your financial help fast via a P2P app. Another tactic used by criminals involves offering a “discount” for a product on an online marketplace, but only if payment is made through a P2P app.

Scammers can also spoof payments to make it seem like they “accidentally” sent you money on a P2P service. They will innocently ask you to return it, but shortly after, their initial payment to you will bounce like a bad check, leaving you short any funds you sent them.

It’s best to use P2P apps to send money to friends, family, and other people you know and trust. P2P apps do not have the same consumer protections that credit cards have. Transactions are like paying cash - instantaneous and usually irreversible. If you receive an unexpected payment, don’t accept it and report it to the app provider.

WDA Alert
Research shows that people who are familiar with how a scam works are 80% less likely to engage in it, but how can you stay up to speed when criminals are constantly changing their tactics? One great tool available is the AARP Fraud Watch Network’s Watchdog Alert.

The Watchdog Alert is a scam update that comes twice a month to your email or phone. It lets you know about the latest scams trending across the country and how you can spot and avoid them. The Watchdog Alert will help you understand the red flags to look out for and what to do if you think you’ve experienced a scam. It’s also easy to share with friends and family, and it’s completely free!

To get alerts by text, simply text “FWN” to 50757. For the email version, sign up at aarp.org/watchdogalerts.

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

AARP Fraud Watch Network™ is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 877-908-3360.

Holiday Scam Survey
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.

Airline Call Center Scams
With the holiday travel season fast approaching, scammers are ready to cash in on travelers eager for help with last-minute flight changes and cancellations. Don’t let a fake customer service agent derail your trip – or drain your wallet. Here’s what you need to 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. Search results can be filled with fraudulent phone numbers, and scammers are constantly finding new ways to get their numbers to show up at the top of results.

Beware of any number tied to a result labeled as “Sponsored” or “Ad.” In addition, don’t call numbers that appear in wacky fonts or next to odd emojis; this is a common tactic scammers use to make their numbers both visually pop and appear towards the top. Lastly, remember to slow down. For instance, if your flight is canceled, you typically don’t need to pay to be rebooked. Any “agent” requesting a credit card to do so likely only has their own wallet at heart.

Check Twice Before Donating
It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a fake one can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.

If a charity solicits you for a donation, even if your first instinct is to contribute, take a pause. Many fake charities have legitimate-looking websites and names, making them hard to identify as fraudulent. Others are registered nonprofits but devote little of the money they raise to the programs they promote.

Research the charity on sites such as give.org, CharityNavigator.org, or CharityWatch.org to make sure that it’s legitimate and to find out what percentage of their donations are actually used to serve their stated mission versus paying for overhead and fundraising.

Pet Scams
With families searching for new furry friends this holiday season, criminals are using adorable photos and heart-tugging tales (pun intended) to lure in unsuspecting pet seekers. Here are three ways you can stay ahead of pet scams this year:

1) Do your research and understand how much a certain breed costs. Avoid websites that offer deep discounts on the going rate.

2) Use the photo of the pet you are offered to conduct a reverse image search online (search “how to do a reverse image search” in your favorite browser). Scammers often copy pet photos from other websites.

3) If possible, shop locally. Meeting the breeder in person or touring the shelter facility lets you know it is legitimate. A seller that invents reasons why you can’t pick the pet up in person or demands an upfront payment shouldn’t be trusted.

4) Talk to your family about considering adopting a rescue as an option to going with a breeder.

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.

 

Sweepstakes Scams
Who wouldn’t want to win thousands or even millions of dollars, or the chance to go on a luxury vacation? There are many legitimate sweepstakes and contests out there, and the idea of winning some fabulous prize can be mighty alluring. Criminals get that, and they exploit our excitement to score that big check or dream trip.

When a sweepstakes or a contest is fraudulent, there is often a big red flag: you must first pay upfront fees or taxes to get your prize. No legitimate sweepstakes or contest requires upfront payment. Another clue is if you are asked to share sensitive information to receive your prize, such as your Social Security number or bank account information. Again, this is something perpetrators do, not legitimate entities.

If you find yourself reacting to an out-of-the-blue communication with a heightened emotion, and it comes to you with great urgency, let that be an indicator or a fraud attempt. Take an “active pause” – consider what you are being confronted with, what you might know about it, and then react with intention. That moment of deliberation could be what keeps you safe.

Look Out for Fake Checks
Checks might seem like something from the past, but scammers often use fake checks in their crimes so they can exploit the time it takes for them to bounce. During that waiting period, scammers will ask you to act on those funds. But once the check bounces, any amount you acted on is gone. This tactic shows up in several scam types from fake job and work-from-home scams (the fake check is to purchase equipment from the “employer” or for you to wire orotherwise send funds to “vendors”), to a seemingly innocent overpayment you received where you’re asked to send part of the money back.

It’s important to know that, just because the check looks like it cleared, it doesn’t mean it has – it can take time for a bank to validate a check, but the federal rules are to make the amount available, usually within 24-48 hours. Use caution when accepting a check: ensure it is validated by your bank and reject seeming overpayments where you’re asked to pay back the overage to the sender.

How to Make Yourself a Harder Target
Criminals are always looking for ways to get your personal information to use in criminal activities. The good news is that there are many steps you can take to help protect your data and minimize its value to criminals. Here are three:

Create stronger passwords: Better protect yourself by using strong and unique passwords or passphrases or consider using a password manager to store and generate strong passwords securely.

Use multi-factor authentication: A second layer of defense to your accounts makes it harder for cybercriminals to gain access. Check account settings for two-factor authentication, two-step verification, or multi-factor authentication, and follow the setup instructions.

Keep your operating system updated: Sometimes those updates are to patch a known vulnerability; set yours – and your antivirus protection - to update automatically.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The impact of elder financial abuse is profound. While abuse can come from known perpetrators like caregivers or family members, scams carried out by strangers are also a major threat. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission estimated that criminals stole as much as $61.5 billion from adults age 60 and over in 2023 alone. With World Elder Abuse Awareness Day coming up on June 15, it's a timely reminder that we can take steps to prevent the financial exploitation of older adults.

Encourage older adults in your life to add a trusted contact to their financial accounts. This person won’t have access to make transactions but can be notified if there’s suspicious activity or if the account holder can’t be reached.

Freezing credit is an important way to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in their name. Additionally, help reduce exposure to phone-based scams by setting up robocall and text message blockers through their mobile carriers or reputable apps.

Small actions like these can go a long way to protecting the financial well-being of older adults and ourselves.

Toll Road Scams
If your phone’s been lighting up with messages saying you owe a road toll, you’re not alone. Criminals are blasting out fake texts pretending to be from government agencies or toll services. Their goal? To scare or rush you into clicking a link, handing over personal info or making a payment.

Here’s what you need to know: legitimate toll agencies don’t collect payment via text message, and they won’t threaten you over a missed toll.

If you get a message about unpaid tolls, do not respond or click on any links—even if it looks legit. Instead, check your account using the state tolling agency or transponder company's legitimate website or phone number—not information from the message.

Medicare Fraud
To protect yourself, protect your Medicare number. Don’t share it with anyone who contacts you out of the blue. Be wary of offers for free medical equipment or services that you are told Medicare will cover. The only equipment or services Medicare will cover are those that are prescribed by your doctor.

Review your Medicare statements regularly and report anything suspicious to your medical provider. If your concern persists, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Travel Scams  
Travel scams are heating up just in time for summer, from bogus deals to fake booking sites and other schemes. Here is how to spot some of the most popular vacation scams.

Scammers often create fake vacation rental listings, then pressure you to pay upfront through wire transfers, gift cards, or other hard-to-trace methods. If a host asks you to pay outside the platform, it's a scam.

Be skeptical of steeply discounted offers and use a credit card for stronger fraud protection. If something feels off, take the time to verify before making any payments. Also, learn about any new-to-you travel site before booking by searching the company’s name along with the word “scam” or “complaint” or “review” to read about other people’s experiences.

Spotting Fake QR Codes
QR codes are everywhere – from restaurant menus to package tracking. But where there is innovation, there are criminals exploiting them for fraud. QR codes are now being used by scammers to lead you to phishing websites, where they may steal sensitive details like banking info, login credentials and more.

Before acting on a QR code in the real world, check for signs of manipulation (a sticker over the original QR, for example). And you don’t have to use a QR code – if you’re at a restaurant, ask for the printed menu. Also, look at emailed or texted QR codes with suspicion; the point of them is to link you to a website when you’re not otherwise online.

Just like when clicking links, it is important to use caution when scanning QR codes to ensure the source is trustworthy.

Summertime Door-to-Door Scam
Summer is officially here, which means door-to-door sales crews are too. But buyer beware because what they’re selling isn’t always legit.

These scams can take various forms. Sometimes, they involve solar panels for your home at a can’t-be-beaten price, or they involve students selling magazine subscriptions to help fund their school programs. Other times, they involve construction workers who say they stopped by because they just happened to be working in the neighborhood. One thing they all have in common is pressure to sign up or pay upfront.

Any “deal” that you have to sign up for right away or that you have to pay for in advance is likely no deal at all. Your best bet is to proactively seek out the services you need. And consider making a deal with yourself to never do a deal with someone before you’ve had time to do your research.

The Latest in Amazon Impostor Scams
Criminals love to impersonate big businesses, and the bigger the better. One of the largest targets of impostor scams last year was Amazon. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 44,000 reports about scammers using Amazon's name were filed last year, with $19 million reported lost. Here are two of the latest versions of an Amazon impostor scam to be on the lookout for.

Complex scams that involve an Amazon impostor, a bank impostor and someone pretending to be a law enforcement investigator are trending. These scams have a heightened sense of legitimacy because the victim believes they are speaking to different independent entities who are all confirming the same threat. In reality, they are talking to multiple criminals who are all part of the same scheme.

False membership renewal messages are another trending form of Amazon impostor scams. Because many customers aren’t aware of when their membership expires, these messages can seem legitimate. The criminals also create real-looking websites where you can share your payment information.

Whenever doing business, renewing a membership or dealing with a suspicious charge with any retailer, it is safest to do so at their official website or through their official customer service lines. Do not rely on links or phone numbers emailed or texted to you. These run a higher risk of being connected directly to a crook.

Homebuyers and Owners Beware
In today’s tight real estate market, there is often pressure to act quickly when you find that perfect place. Scammers know this and are waiting to pounce. Here are three things to be aware of when shopping for a home.

Wire fraud can happen when a criminal impersonates a real estate or title company and asks you to send the closing costs to them. Before wiring any funds, contact your real estate company and confirm the account information, routing instructions and total amount needed.

Criminals are also in the market to take advantage of those at risk of foreclosure. Beware of anyone promising to make your mortgage payment issues go away -- especially if they ask for an upfront fee.

Lastly, if you are looking to rent a home, make sure to visit in person before paying a deposit. Rental scams happen often, with criminals creating legitimate-looking websites offering great deals on homes that aren’t really up for rent.

Digital Delivery Scams
If you’re like many Americans, the arrival of a package at your doorstep is a common occurrence. In the age of digital shopping, it has become harder than ever to keep track of what is coming when and from whom. This new reality has led directly to the rise of the digital package delivery scam.

These scams start with a text message claiming that your package has been kept on hold because of an issue with your address, insufficient postage, or nobody was home to receive it. This type of impostor scam will claim to be from the U.S. Postal Service, UPS or FedEx delivery, to name a few, and will include a link to a website that looks legitimate.

Once there, you’ll be asked to verify personal information like your address or login credentials, or pay a postage or delivery fee. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans reported $330 million in theft from text scams in 2022, more than double the reported losses from the year before.

To avoid these scams, never click on links or call phone numbers from random text messages. If you think there is an issue with a package you’ve ordered, go directly to the retailer or shipper’s website and check for yourself.