Mark Fetterhoff

Scammers follow headlines and trends. That is why it is no surprise that they are now posing as representatives from Amazon. With more people staying home and shopping from home than ever before, many consumers rely on delivery services like Amazon for some of the products they used to buy at a store. Reports of scams invoking the Amazon name have skyrocketed in recent months. Here are some tips for avoiding Amazon imposter scams:

2020 has been pretty rough so far, we know it. AARP ElderWatch is here to help you understand your credit report, get connected to benefits and community resources and in the tragic case of the loss of a loved one, help you organize your finances. All of this can be done from the comfort and safety of your home, via the phone or video call by one of AARP ElderWatch’s trained volunteers. Call AARP ElderWatch for assistance today at 800-222-4444, option 2 or email aarpelderwatch@aarp.org. Mention financial assistance in your message or subject line and we will get back to you within three (3) business days. In the meantime, check out these quick financial tips:

Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment platforms like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, Apple Pay and Zelle allow consumers to transfer funds online or through an app quickly from their bank account to other people or businesses. In a recent ElderWatch survey 43 percent of Coloradans 50+ indicated that they use these apps for the recommended purpose, transferring funds to friends and family. But beware, scammers are requesting payment via P2P apps more and more. Here are some tips to help stay safe:

Because of the Coronavirus global pandemic, scammers are using different ways to approach their victims. Often times they will use the guise of a government agency or reputable business to try and obtain personal or financial information. The following are a few of the imposter scams to watch out for during this time:

With more Coloradans staying home than ever during the global Coronavirus pandemic, it is important that we review some the ways that scammers might try and take advantage of isolated, financially strapped or bored people:

Every 10 years the United States conducts a census to count all of the people living in our country. Because the Census attempts to contact all people, it is reasonable to believe that scammers might try and take advantage of this opportunity to attempt to collect personal and financial information. Knowing how the Census works will help you avoid potential Census scams. Here are a few things you should know:

Online dating sites and social media platforms have become one of the most popular ways for people of all ages to meet friends, significant others and spouses. While most people have good intentions when meeting others online, scammers have also been known to use dating sites, social media sites and apps (ex. Facebook, Instagram, Words with Friends, etc.) to obtain money, gifts or personal information.

Scammers and criminals don’t take a break during the holidays, in fact they might ramp up their efforts. A 2018 ElderWatch survey of Coloradans 50+ found a lack of knowledge about some holiday-related scams. Be vigilant this holiday season and take extra precautions to ensure your hard-earned money does not end up in the hands of scammers:

Auto repairs are a fact of life for anyone with a vehicle. While most auto mechanics are trustworthy, there are some who are out to make a quick buck.