Randy Simon

The AARP Fraud Watch Network can help you spot and avoid fraud so you can keep your hard-earned money. Join us and hear from local experts as we reveal the secrets of con-artists and provide you with tools and resources you need to protect yourself from fraud and scams. Fight fraud today and protect your friends, family and you.

As lovers and those looking for love prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network releases new tips on how you can protect yourself from scammers from taking aim at your heart and pocketbooks.

Every two seconds, someone’s identity is stolen. And with tax season upon us, con artists are stealing Social Security numbers to file for fraudulent tax refunds. It’s a big problem. To date, the IRS has identified around 15 million false tax returns alone. And you can also view targeted information and a special video devoted to tax identity theft awareness at www.aarp.org/scamalert.

To coincide with Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, the AARP Fraud Watch Network launches an education effort to help people protect themselves from tax scams, releasing a new video (see below), a tip sheet and encouraging people to take advantage of AARP’s free tax preparation services. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Idaho ranks 43 in ID theft complaints.

AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers across Idaho through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 48th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

Tax season will be soon upon us, and scammers posing as Internal Revenue Service officials continue to call, saying you owe taxes and better pay up. They threaten to arrest or deport people, revoke a license, or even shut down a business. How do they do it? By rigging caller ID information to appear as if the IRS is calling, and sometimes even making a follow-up call claiming to be the police or the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Scammers prey on fears during the worst of circumstances – and the Ebola crisis is no different. Fraudsters are already using sleazy tactics to turn a quick buck.

This year, AARP Foundation is again providing f ree tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 46 th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

National Crime Prevention Month is the backdrop for three FREE Idaho Scam Jams in October. Presenters will describe the latest scams and offer tips on how to recognize a con artist, guard against identity theft and report Medicare fraud. AARP Idaho is hosting the events in cooperation with several state agencies, including the Office of Attorney General, Departments of Finance and Insurance, and Commission on Aging, as well as the Better Business Bureau and local police. Scammers often prey on older adults who have accrued assets over a lifetime. The Scam Jams are scheduled Oct. 9 in Hailey, Oct. 21 in Boise and Oct. 23 in Weiser. Lunch is free and space is limited

AARP Idaho has announced that Janet Kinzer of Athol was selected to receive the 2014 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious volunteer award. Each year AARP honors the legacy of AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, with the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service. This award is a symbol of the power of individuals to make a difference in the lives of others. AARP Idaho state director Mark Estess formally presented the honor to Kinzer at a ceremony in Coeur d’Alene.