With romance scammers using the Internet to rob Americans of an estimated $81 million per year, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network today called on the online dating industry to institute new safeguards to better protect their users. AARP Montana is inviting its members and the general public to become involved in the national campaign by signing an online petition.
Show your appreciation by nominating a volunteer for the 2015 AARP Montana Andrus Award for Community Service. AARP’s most prestigious Montana volunteer award recognizes individuals who are sharing their experience, talent and skills in ways significantly enrich the lives of others. Only one Montana individual or couple is selected each year. The nomination deadline is June 2, 2015.
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), Montana tied with Kentucky at spot 40 in ID theft complaints.